Apple IUP Approval

[Tokenfreak]

How long does the IUP approval process take when signing up for the program the first time? Also, what information do I need to complete the sign up? I just want to make sure I can complete my order in the first couple minutes so I can get a delivery for my iPhone X on launch day. Thanks.

 

[BigTomCallaghan]

To add one more question to this post - since, going this route, we won't be receiving our devices until November, what does that mean for next year's phone assuming it is released closer to the normal timeframe (ie September)?

Will anyone doing the IUP method have to make two extra payments on a device they won't be using if they get the next version of the X on a September launch day? Isn't that kind of wasteful?

This is my understanding, as such I was going to buy in full - if anyone can elaborate on how this will work, please do as well...

 

[Lobwedgephil]

How long does the IUP approval process take when signing up for the program the first time? Also, what information do I need to complete the sign up? I just want to make sure I can complete my order in the first couple minutes so I can get a delivery for my iPhone X on launch day. Thanks.

Usually not long, but no one knows how long it will take when the servers are getting crushed at preorder time. Could be a non issue or could be the difference in months.

 

[iAttorny]

To add one more question to this post - since, going this route, we won't be receiving our devices until November, what does that mean for next year's phone assuming it is released closer to the normal timeframe (ie September)?

Will anyone doing the IUP method have to make two extra payments on a device they won't be using if they get the next version of the X on a September launch day? Isn't that kind of wasteful?

This is my understanding, as such I was going to buy in full - if anyone can elaborate on how this will work, please do as well...

You are correct. The IUP allows a customer to upgrade to a new iPhone, once 12 payments have been made. If Apple releases a new phone in September 2018, and the customer enrolled in the IUP for the iPhone X in November 2017, then that customer would be required to make an additional 2 months of payments, prior to being allowed to upgrade to the new phone during a September 2018 launch. The customer will essentially be "resetting" their upgrade cycle to be back in line with the traditional iPhone release schedule. Alternatively, the customer can keep the iPhone X for an additional 2 months, and then upgrade via the IUP, thus preserving the "November" release schedule of the iPhone X.

It is important to note, that once a customer has chosen to upgrade via the IUP, they are not forced to return their existing phone. They can keep the phone (and would then have 2 IUP loans), and can either continue to pay off the balance via monthly installments, or make one lump sum payment to fulfill the loan. Some customers choose to keep their phone, and resell on their own for a profit, to help recoup some of the funds.

As far as it being wasteful, it really is a matter of personal choice. Apple has been fairly clear in their IUP documentation as to exactly how the process works. While I can understand that the "marketing" hype creates an impression of yearly launch day upgrades, in reality that is simply not how it works.

 

[theriotsmith]

I got an email from apple saying you could get all the prep work done now to save time at pre-order. However, when I tried to do it, it only applied to phones already in the upgrade program. Sigh.

 

[BigTomCallaghan]

You are correct. The IUP allows a customer to upgrade to a new iPhone, once 12 payments have been made. If Apple releases a new phone in September 2018, and the customer enrolled in the IUP for the iPhone X in November 2017, then that customer would be required to make an additional 2 months of payments, prior to being allowed to upgrade to the new phone during a September 2018 launch. The customer will essentially be "resetting" their upgrade cycle to be back in line with the traditional iPhone release schedule. Alternatively, the customer can keep the iPhone X for an additional 2 months, and then upgrade via the IUP, thus preserving the "November" release schedule of the iPhone X.

It is important to note, that once a customer has chosen to upgrade via the IUP, they are not forced to return their existing phone. They can keep the phone (and would then have 2 IUP loans), and can either continue to pay off the balance via monthly installments, or make one lump sum payment to fulfill the loan. Some customers choose to keep their phone, and resell on their own for a profit, to help recoup some of the funds.

As far as it being wasteful, it really is a matter of personal choice. Apple has been fairly clear in their IUP documentation as to exactly how the process works. While I can understand that the "marketing" hype creates an impression of yearly launch day upgrades, in reality that is simply not how it works.

Excellent answer, thank you for the clear explanation!