Apple Upgrade program question

[0970373]

If one wants to get a new phone every year (or sooner) it cost more to go through Citizens One, versus the carrier interest free plan. Why pay for AppleCare (with your loan) if you are only going to keep the phone a year? The phone comes with a one year warranty.

If one wants to jump through more hoops and red tape with Citizens One, so be it. There are better ways (in my opinion) to go about getting a new phone every year than the Citizens One route.

You can get the Apple Care refunded if you didn't use it when you return the phone. I always bought it anyway when I used to buy my phones outright and sell them every year. Aside from this specific issue we're discussing, the Upgrade program is pretty great. I'm guaranteed a "resell" price no matter what and it's a lot less hassle overall.

I'm sure Apple will fix this issue for the program when the new iPhones roll out. And it wasn't an issue when the program started since all the phones were CDMA compatible.

But *this* whole thing is messy and I've decided to just wait until fall when new iPhones come out and go from there. I'm not in a hurry to switch to Verizon and quite happy on TMO.

 

[appygirl82]

Verdict is in: (yes some have gotten this answer already)....

Went to my local Apple Store. The switch CAN be made from AT&T to VZW. They'll sign ya up for VZW under the IUP. Then they'll cancel the AT&T loans and refund the money paid so far. So yes, it can be done!

I however can't make the switch yet due to being in middle of home buying. Can't afford two hard credit pulls from Citizens One

Hopefully this clears it up for everyone

 

[Applejuiced]

Verdict is in: (yes some have gotten this answer already)....

Went to my local Apple Store. The switch CAN be made from AT&T to VZW. They'll sign ya up for VZW under the IUP. Then they'll cancel the AT&T loans and refund the money paid so far. So yes, it can be done!

I however can't make the switch yet due to being in middle of home buying. Can't afford two hard credit pulls from Citizens One

Hopefully this clears it up for everyone

I hear you. It's not worth it while you're in the middle of a home purchase or refi.
The mortgage company will look for things like this to give you a headache.
They're such a pain with the paperwork and the 100's of hoops they make you jump through to finally give you a loan.

 

[appygirl82]

I hear you. It's not worth it while you're in the middle of a home purchase or refi.
The mortgage company will look for things like this to give you a headache.
They're such a pain with the paperwork and the 100's of hoops they make you jump through to finally give you a loan.

Yea I don't really NEED to switch right now anyway! Once I move I'd like to make the switch because VZW's service is better in the area I will be. For now I'll practice patience! But good to know that the problem can be solved!!

 

[terraphantm]

I still wasn't able to get mine done today. Verizon seems to be the hold up. Unfortunately I'm busy enough that I probably won't be able to attempt this for another two weeks.

Might just pay off the existing phone, sell it, and start over with a new one.

 

[tl01]

Can you just *imagine* the entitlement wanks trying to use (abuse) this to get a new phone, if it were actually the case? There have to be some controls. If this is what they're actually doing, Apple's are more than reasonable.

To reiterate:

Apple states you can switch. Apple will facilitate your switch, by taking your old phone back, and forgiving the remainder of the loan. You have had the use of the phone for N months, so no harm, no foul. You are now given a new phone that works with the new carrier, and a new AUP is started. This new AUP has a 12-month term, it's a new phone, so again no harm, no foul.

Anything else is just wanking by the entitled.

I absolutely disagree. Wanting something else in this case is not entitled. They should sell a version of the phone that can go anywhere. My loan for the phone has nothing to do with my carrier and that was the whole point of the AUP. To change my upgrade date is ridiculous. I should be able to port my number and take my current hardware straight over to Verizon from ATT.

When I biught my 6s plus with the AUP and it was the ATT version it worked on Verizon just fine too. That was the way to do it. Anything else makes no sense. I can also trade my phone in at Verizon and then just pay a little toward my memory...but that wasn't the point of the program!
[doublepost=1487545222][/doublepost]

No, that's not what I was told. I would have to start over with a new loan when I switched phones and it would reset my 12 month upgrade window. Previous payments *would not* be applied to the new phone.

I don't feel entitled to a new phone. I want what was advertised to me and what I signed up for. Having to swap out the phone and start over with a new model isn't really being able to "choose your carrier." They could swap it out for a refurbished model for all I care but they really should be using the CDMA compatible models for AUP customers. It was the case with the iPhone 6S/6S+ when I originally signed up w/ AUP.
[doublepost=1487192997][/doublepost]

It wouldn't be so bad if they actually did refund all previous payment to apply to the new loan. But it's definitely not the story I got. I do still think people should write to Tim Cook to get them to clarify what this process is.

I wrote to Tim and another apple contact I have from a previous issue.

Why can't they just swap out a refurb Verizon phone for my ATT? I have had the phone replaced by Apple before so it isn't the same phone from my original loan.
[doublepost=1487545382][/doublepost]

I did, and that actually seems to be the source of my issues. I think if I had done the swap before switching, it would have been much smoother. Largely because Verizon apparently sucks for this sort of thing (every single Apple employee was complaining about how much of a main Verizon is to deal with).

Can you please explain what you did to get the switch done?
[doublepost=1487545664][/doublepost]

Verdict is in: (yes some have gotten this answer already)....

Went to my local Apple Store. The switch CAN be made from AT&T to VZW. They'll sign ya up for VZW under the IUP. Then they'll cancel the AT&T loans and refund the money paid so far. So yes, it can be done!

I however can't make the switch yet due to being in middle of home buying. Can't afford two hard credit pulls from Citizens One

Hopefully this clears it up for everyone

What happens to your upgrade date then?

 

[appygirl82]

I absolutely disagree. Wanting something else in this case is not entitled. They should sell a version of the phone that can go anywhere. My loan for the phone has nothing to do with my carrier and that was the whole point of the AUP. To change my upgrade date is ridiculous. I should be able to port my number and take my current hardware straight over to Verizon from ATT.

When I biught my 6s plus with the AUP and it was the ATT version it worked on Verizon just fine too. That was the way to do it. Anything else makes no sense. I can also trade my phone in at Verizon and then just pay a little toward my memory...but that wasn't the point of the program!
[doublepost=1487545222][/doublepost]

I wrote to Tim and another apple contact I have from a previous issue.

Why can't they just swap out a refurb Verizon phone for my ATT? I have had the phone replaced by Apple before so it isn't the same phone from my original loan.
[doublepost=1487545382][/doublepost]

Can you please explain what you did to get the switch done?
[doublepost=1487545664][/doublepost]

What happens to your upgrade date then?

Stays the same. They'll refund what you've paid so far into the current loan so you don't lose your upgrade. Apple realizes they've messed up on this part so they're trying to make it right.

 

[tl01]

Stays the same. They'll refund what you've paid so far into the current loan so you don't lose your upgrade. Apple realizes they've messed up on this part so they're trying to make it right.

That's good. So I guess I'll go for it!. Thanks!

 

[WhoDatWayne]

I still wasn't able to get mine done today. Verizon seems to be the hold up. Unfortunately I'm busy enough that I probably won't be able to attempt this for another two weeks.

Might just pay off the existing phone, sell it, and start over with a new one.

Wow! That sucks.

 

[44267547]

Stays the same. They'll refund what you've paid so far into the current loan so you don't lose your upgrade. Apple realizes they've messed up on this part so they're trying to make it right.

That's good that Apple is trying to right the wrong. If they realize there is a mistake on their behalf, they should correct the issue.

 

[CoriG]

Stays the same. They'll refund what you've paid so far into the current loan so you don't lose your upgrade. Apple realizes they've messed up on this part so they're trying to make it right.

I called my local Apple store and they said that I can switch out my ATT phone for a Verizon phone but it will reset my loan. This is my first year using the AUP and it is my understanding that you cannot pay off the loan ahead of time. How do you not lose your upgrade if your loan resets? I got my iphone 7+ on launch day and I want to make sure I am eligible for the new phone when it comes out.

 

[appygirl82]

I called my local Apple store and they said that I can switch out my ATT phone for a Verizon phone but it will reset my loan. This is my first year using the AUP and it is my understanding that you cannot pay off the loan ahead of time. How do you not lose your upgrade if your loan resets? I got my iphone 7+ on launch day and I want to make sure I am eligible for the new phone when it comes out.

Apple Store told me that basically you'll get a refund of that you've paid so far on your loan. You apply that to new loan and therefore would still be eligible for an upgrade this fall. And yes you can pay off your loan through Citizens One at any time. I've done it before (not my current loan but a prior one)

 

[CoriG]

Apple Store told me that basically you'll get a refund of that you've paid so far on your loan. You apply that to new loan and therefore would still be eligible for an upgrade this fall. And yes you can pay off your loan through Citizens One at any time. I've done it before (not my current loan but a prior one)[/QUOTE

How did you pay off your loan through Citizens One early? I tried to call them back in September to make extra payments and they told me I couldnt do it. I would love to get my credit and IMMEDIATELY put it towards my new loan so that I am able to upgrade again when the new phone comes out.

 

[appygirl82]

I don't know how quickly Apple will give you the credit, I imagine it'll take some time.

To pay off the loan I just called and paid it. Gave them my card info and paid. Just like any other bill...

 

[OriginalAppleGuy]

it is my understanding that you cannot pay off the loan ahead of time.

Yes you can pay off the loan at any time you desire under Apple's IUP.

 

[CoriG]

Yes you can pay off the loan at any time you desire under Apple's IUP.

I called citizen one and was told I could pay it off only after the loan was good for 6 months. I am trying to figure if I switch phones, can I still upgrade when the next phone comes out. The only issue is if they just happen to release the new phone in June vs August.

 

[Applejuiced]

I called citizen one and was told I could pay it off only after the loan was good for 6 months. I am trying to figure if I switch phones, can I still upgrade when the next phone comes out. The only issue is if they just happen to release the new phone in June vs August.

You can only pay it off after 6 months?
I don't know about that bs they gave you.
You can pay it off whenever you want.
Citizens bank is so shady

 

[Apple_Robert]

You can only pay it off after 6 months?
I don't know about that bs they have you.
You can pay it off whenever you want.
Citizens bank is so shady

1. Early Upgrade Option. At any time six (6) months after the date of enrollment, you can become upgrade eligible by making advance payments so that you have paid the equivalent of at least twelve (12) installment payments under your Installment Loan plus any taxes and fees paid at the time of enrollment.

http://www.apple.com/legal/sales-support/iphoneupgrade_us/

With Verizon interest free financing, you can pay the phone off at any time, unlike Citizens One.

People are paying more to sign up with Citizens One, not to mention a credit check each time you change phones.

 

[CoriG]

1. Early Upgrade Option. At any time six (6) months after the date of enrollment, you can become upgrade eligible by making advance payments so that you have paid the equivalent of at least twelve (12) installment payments under your Installment Loan plus any taxes and fees paid at the time of enrollment.

http://www.apple.com/legal/sales-support/iphoneupgrade_us/

With Verizon interest free financing, you can pay the phone off at any time, unlike Citizens One.

People are paying more to sign up with Citizens One, not to mention a credit check each time you change phones.

But the issue is that I purchased the iPhone 7+ via apple's update program so I have to swap out my phone with another phone from them. I can't cancel my loan at this point and go to Verizon.

 

[Applejuiced]

1. Early Upgrade Option. At any time six (6) months after the date of enrollment, you can become upgrade eligible by making advance payments so that you have paid the equivalent of at least twelve (12) installment payments under your Installment Loan plus any taxes and fees paid at the time of enrollment.

http://www.apple.com/legal/sales-support/iphoneupgrade_us/

With Verizon interest free financing, you can pay the phone off at any time, unlike Citizens One.

People are paying more to sign up with Citizens One, not to mention a credit check each time you change phones.

Interesting.
I wasn't talking about upgrading.
Just paying off the loan in full shouldn't be a problem right?

 

[CoriG]

Interesting.
I wasn't talking about upgrading.
Just laying off the loan in full shouldn't be a problem right?

You can pay off the loan. But I want to switch out my phone and still retain my eligibility to upgrade when the new phone comes out in Sept.

Is there any chance a new phone will be released over the summer?

 

[Applejuiced]

You can pay off the loan. But I want to switch out my phone and still retain my eligibility to upgrade when the new phone comes out in Sept.

Is there any chance a new phone will be released over the summer?

I think they worked out something like that with many others that are switching to Verizon. I'd contact Apple.

 

[appygirl82]

But the issue is that I purchased the iPhone 7+ via apple's update program so I have to swap out my phone with another phone from them. I can't cancel my loan at this point and go to Verizon.

I'd consider getting out of the IUP also so I can switch to VZW but yes, same problem....would have to pay off whole phone...damnit!

 

[CoriG]

I'd consider getting out of the IUP also so I can switch to VZW but yes, same problem....would have to pay off whole phone...damnit!

Are you going to switch out your phone to Verizon?

 

[appygirl82]

Are you going to switch out your phone to Verizon?

Not yet. Only because I'm refi'ing my house and buying new house this summer. So worst case, I'll switch this fall when the new iPhone is released. Can't afford all the credit pulls at the moment