I'm planning on ordering a 6s Plus after I return back to the country next week. I'm currently on AT&T and have no reason to switch (I'm happy with my service). I'm trying to decide if I should do the Apple Upgrade Program or AT&T Next. I'd like the one that gives me the most painless process to upgrade my iPhone each year. Like I said I don't really see myself wanting to switch carriers but I'm not sure if there is any other advantage to Apple's program other than being free to switch carriers.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple Upgrade Program vs AT&T Next?
- Thread starter tx2005
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I went with Apple because of the inclusion of Applecare + in the package. I'm with ATT, too, and I have no complaints... but I'd rather have the confidence of Applecare and the freedom to change my carrier if need be. I figure Apple is motivated to help me painlessly upgrade as often as possible!
I have a feeling that ATT is going to shake up their next plans to give more of a lease option.
Today, I feel like Apple is the better choice, assuming apple care interests you, because it truly does give you carrier freedom.
Today, I feel like Apple is the better choice, assuming apple care interests you, because it truly does give you carrier freedom.
I did AT&T Next. Being that all the plans are interest free, you have to decide which fits you best. I've had good luck every year ordering from AT&T. No issues getting the phone.
I don't care about Applecare.....to me it's value is less than before for what would happen to me most....screen crack. The OOW screen for the 6s is only $129. I'll take my chances. Other repairs are just $299 for the 6s.
I didn't want to have to go into the store to get the phone with Apple. Maybe next year they'll allow online orders. And for those that are concerned with hard credit pulls....the Apple plan will do that. With AT&T Next, you already have the account.....they just bill you the new plan amount.
What do you mean ATT giving a "lease" option. That's what you have with Next now. You can either choose to turn it in for the new phone....or pay the entire amount and you own it.
-Kevin
I don't care about Applecare.....to me it's value is less than before for what would happen to me most....screen crack. The OOW screen for the 6s is only $129. I'll take my chances. Other repairs are just $299 for the 6s.
I didn't want to have to go into the store to get the phone with Apple. Maybe next year they'll allow online orders. And for those that are concerned with hard credit pulls....the Apple plan will do that. With AT&T Next, you already have the account.....they just bill you the new plan amount.
What do you mean ATT giving a "lease" option. That's what you have with Next now. You can either choose to turn it in for the new phone....or pay the entire amount and you own it.
-Kevin
With next, ATT just divides the payments equally for a set number of agreed months. With a lease, you don't actually pay the entirety of the phone off at the end of your agreement (but you may still have the option to pay it off at the end). The goal in a true lease, such as jump on demand with T-Mobile, is to have paid out of pocket less by the time you're ready to upgrade.
With a 64GB 6s
Apple is $36.58 monthly (includes AppleCare)
AT&T Next 12 is $37.50 monthly
After 12 payments you can trade in phone.
You will have paid:
$438.96 with Apple
$450.00 with AT&T
So yeah little better with Apple and you get AppleCare. But that's also because AT&T splits it over 20 payments whereas Apple does 24.
In the end no matter what plan you go with I think it would be in everyone's best interest to see what you can get after a year by selling phone if you were to pay off the full amount. Selling prices are much higher after only one year. So with either Apple or AT&T you can pay off the remaining balance on the phone and sell it privately for more.
-Kevin
Apple is $36.58 monthly (includes AppleCare)
AT&T Next 12 is $37.50 monthly
After 12 payments you can trade in phone.
You will have paid:
$438.96 with Apple
$450.00 with AT&T
So yeah little better with Apple and you get AppleCare. But that's also because AT&T splits it over 20 payments whereas Apple does 24.
In the end no matter what plan you go with I think it would be in everyone's best interest to see what you can get after a year by selling phone if you were to pay off the full amount. Selling prices are much higher after only one year. So with either Apple or AT&T you can pay off the remaining balance on the phone and sell it privately for more.
-Kevin
True today, but it's very possible that resale values will start dropping with the advent of upgrade programs becoming the norm.
Yeah...that's something to watch. Hoping all these trade-ins wont cause the market to drop.
-Kevin
It doesn't include AppleCare in that you are getting it for free. You are paying for AppleCare in the monthly payment.
-Kevin
Just making it clear that you pay for Applecare. So for those that don't want Applecare....it's wasted money.
-Kevin
Yes you are only leasing the phone through Apple. The plans are controlled by the carrier of choice.