Carrier AT&T: iPhone 16/Plus/Pro/Pro Max US Pre-Orders, Orders, and Delivery Status Thread (2024)

[dave006]

I dropped of my old iphone 14PM at AT&T corp store today. The trade-in value shows $425 but NOT $1000. It says "up to $1000.

That's correct. The actual trade-in value of your iPhone 14 Pro Max is $425. The text below explains the details of how AT&T will apply a monthly credit of $27.78 over 36 months to your account if you keep it for 36 months.

Trade-in Requirements: The offer is valid with the trade-in of an eligible smartphone that has a minimum trade-in value of $230 for up to $1000 off iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max; min $130-$229 for up to $700 off (min. $35 for up to $350 off) iPhone 16 series.

Does your receipt look like this?

Yes but mine is not wrinkled like yours.

Also, it says "We'll inspect it to make sure the item meets our return requirements after it arrives" Does it mean that there is no guarantee that I would get $1000? since it require further inspection at the warehouse?

It will show that until it is actually received after the CSR in the store returns it.

Dave

 

[dave006]

When I dropped it off, AT&T person only check the IMEI number from my old phone. He did not ask for any ID

They don't always check your ID but if you don't bring it along with you then that's when they will ask for it.

Dave

 

[normanfox]

That's correct. The actual trade-in value of your iPhone 14 Pro Max is $425. The text below explains the details of how AT&T will apply a monthly credit of $27.78 over 36 months to your account if you keep it for 36 months.

Trade-in Requirements: The offer is valid with the trade-in of an eligible smartphone that has a minimum trade-in value of $230 for up to $1000 off iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max; min $130-$229 for up to $700 off (min. $35 for up to $350 off) iPhone 16 series.


Yes but mine is not wrinkled like yours.


It will show that until it is actually received after the CSR in the store returns it.

Dave

Prior to the deal expiration on 10/10, the minimum trade-in value was $180. I took a screenshot of this requirement. now it changes to $230, as shown in your quote.

So will AT&T not do further evaluation of the old phone? and just wait until they receive it to complete the trade-in process?

 

[normanfox]

Would I lose monthly trade-in credit if I swap to a different phone later? Say I want to give iphone 16PM to my son. In other words, the phone number that receives the monthly credit is switched to a different phone, and no longer tie to the purchased iphone 16PM.

 

[dave006]

Prior to the deal expiration on 10/10, the minimum trade-in value was $180. I took a screenshot of this requirement. now it changes to $230, as shown in your quote.

They always modify the value of the minimum after the initial offer period.They clearly indicated that the original deal ended on 10/10. This eliminated the older trade-in devices from the full offer.

So will AT&T not do further evaluation of the old phone? and just wait until they receive it to complete the trade-in process?

No further evaluation you got your trade-in value and your status should updated next week to Completed on Wednesday or Thursday.

Would I lose monthly trade-in credit if I swap to a different phone later?

It depends on how you make your swap to a different phone later. How might you want to swap to a different phone? Is your son's line on your AT&T Account?

Dave

 

[yukari]

Would I lose monthly trade-in credit if I swap to a different phone later? Say I want to give iphone 16PM to my son. In other words, the phone number that receives the monthly credit is switched to a different phone, and no longer tie to the purchased iphone 16PM.

Simple answer is NO. You will still be "paying" and getting the "credit" for the trade-in. It's just not tied to that phone.

You will, however, have to have the other phone with the same number as the iphone 16PM or tied to your AT&T account. So you may have to pay the activation cost for the new phone.

 

[normanfox]

If I have only a few install payments left, can i pay off so that I can upgrade without losing the remaining credit?

 

[normanfox]

Did anyone do AT&T trade-in through Apple? Does Apple run a diagnose software to evaluate your phone value? Much more detail than AT&T evaluation? Detail such as camera, battery, speakers, etc. While ATT only checks cosmetic exterior of the phone.

 

[dave006]

If I have only a few install payments left, can i pay off so that I can upgrade without losing the remaining credit?

No once you pay off the installment agreement there are no further monthly credits. However once you pay off your remaining balance then you qualify for best offers on an upgrade.

Dave

 

[dave006]

Did anyone do AT&T trade-in through Apple? Does Apple run a diagnose software to evaluate your phone value? Much more detail than AT&T evaluation? Detail such as camera, battery, speakers, etc. While ATT only checks cosmetic exterior of the phone.

Yes if you trade-in an iPhone at Apple for a new Carrier installment purchase more testing is performed vs AT&T. It is the same iPhone testing that Apple performs on all functional trade-ins.

They don't care about the battery but it must pass diagnostics, not have an physical damage to any of the cameras, not have any major damage to the case, front or back glass, etc... The mic / speaker tested by diagnostics.

Note: if you do a store trade-in at AT&T the CSR may actually test that the cameras functions and that the iPhone powers on and that it can switch screens ( check for screen damage ).

Dave

 

[normanfox]

Note: if you do a store trade-in at AT&T the CSR may actually test that the cameras functions and that the iPhone powers on and that it can switch screens ( check for screen damage ).

Dave

"..Do a store trade-in at AT&T..." vs trade-in online? Is that what you meant?

When I dropped off, AT&T did not check any camera. I am not sure how they could check camera when it is in setup mode.

 

[dave006]

"..Do a store trade-in at AT&T..." vs trade-in online? Is that what you meant?

No I was quite clear. Just because no one checked your trade-in thoroughly that is not always the case. It really depends on how busy the store is and if the CSR want's to spend 10 minutes or 15 minutes processing your trade-in.

When I dropped off, AT&T did not check any camera. I am not sure how they could check camera when it is in setup mode.

Random chance. It only takes about 3 minutes to complete a Quick Setup and then test major functions vs just a quick visual inspection.

Dave

 

[normanfox]

No I was quite clear. Just because no one checked your trade-in thoroughly that is not always the case. It really depends on how busy the store is and if the CSR want's to spend 10 minutes or 15 minutes processing your trade-in.


Random chance. It only takes about 3 minutes to complete a Quick Setup and then test major functions vs just a quick visual inspection.

Dave

If you look at the trade-in receipt that I posted, there are 4 things for AT&T to check and none of them has camera. if it does not mention anything specific (like camera, speaker), how do you expect a regular AT&T employee to check?

 

[doccho]

No once you pay off the installment agreement there are no further monthly credits. However once you pay off your remaining balance then you qualify for best offers on an upgrade.

Dave

Yes, AT&T clearly states that once you pay off the installment agreement in advance, the monthly credits will cease. However, based on my experience with the 16PM and what I've heard from AT&T CSRs and other postings, that might not always be the case.

From what I understand, AT&T may continue to honor the remaining credits even if a customer pays off the installments early, as long as the line remains active during the installment period without an upgrade. I’m not entirely sure how AT&T determines these situations, but when I inquired about paying off my device to unlock it for use with a SIM card in another country, the CSR told me that I could do so without losing the remaining credits.

I will follow up on this soon because my son will be going to the UK for his study abroad in January. Initially, I plan to set up the $12-per-day international extension service, but eventually, I'll pay off his installments so he can use an eSIM on a UK carrier. He’s now using the iPhone 15 purchased last year—only 13 installments are paid, with 23 credits remaining.

 

[dave006]

However, based on my experience with the 16PM and what I've heard from AT&T CSRs and other postings, that might not always be the case.

No it is always the case. In your case with your new iPhone 16 Pro Max you got a final credit on your old Installment agreement simply due to your billing cycle. AT&T has it clearly posted in multiple flavors so you can't be confused that somehow you might be able to keep the credits posting without an Installment agreement.

Same thing happened on one of my lines this year simply do to the timing of the Apple iPhone pre-order date window changes vs the Account's billing cycle.

From what I understand, AT&T may continue to honor the remaining credits even if a customer pays off the installments early, as long as the line remains active during the installment period without an upgrade.

Make sure that you have this is writing since it is not published AT&T Policy and it has never been true?

... when I inquired about paying off my device to unlock it for use with a SIM card in another country, the CSR told me that I could do so without losing the remaining credits.

Yea they will tell you many things that are simply not true. In person, over the phone, a claim to make a note on your account.

Technically the CSR is correct that you don't lose the remaining credits you just don't get them posted to your line once you pay off the installment agreement early. Please let us know if you manage to get this to work. Just ask the CSR to provide this special policy in writing and see how that goes.

... but eventually, I'll pay off his installments so he can use an eSIM on a UK carrier. He’s now using the iPhone 15 purchased last year—only 13 installments are paid, with 23 credits remaining.

To unlock an iPhone that is SIM locked to AT&T you must wait 60 days, pay off any installment balance and then they will process an Unlock Request.

Dave

 

[doccho]

...
Make sure that you have this is writing since it is not published AT&T Policy and it has never been true?
...
Yea they will tell you many things that are simply not true. In person, over the phone, a claim to make a note on your account.

I recently found out that AT&T has closed its customer forum, which was a valuable platform for exchanging information and experiences. Previously, I discovered there that some customers reported continuing to receive credits even after paying off their devices early.

See this post:

https://www.reddit.com/r/ATT/comments/1dsaiy9

If you actually check the promotion article in CCKM and scroll almost to the bottom, then the correct information would present itself to you.
The 36 month installments is required initially, but not once the credits have started. Once the promotion has started, customers can pay the device off early and continue to receive the credits.

As we can see, this topic remains very controversial because AT&T has not provided a clear policy, despite this issue being discussed for many years.

See this post from AT&T:

Learn About Wireless Offer Bill Credits

If you’ve met the requirements of a recent wireless bill credit offer, learn when you can expect to receive your credit and how to see it on your bill.

www.att.com

The device must remain on its installment agreement for the entire term in order to get all of the bill credits. Typically, if you upgrade the device or pay off the agreement early, the bill credits may cease.

So, I still believe that AT&T may honor the remaining credits even if an installment is paid off early. Additionally, it seems unreasonable for AT&T to require customers to keep the installments when they could benefit from early pay-offs while customers keep their lines active and in good standing for the entire 36-month period.

 

[Mr. Jenkins]

I just dropped off my trade in to the AT&T store. Overall, this process probably had the least amount of friction for any upgrade process I've done previously with AT&T and with Apple.

Transferring my info and data from the old device to the new device was easier this time around than when I upgraded to the 13 PM from the X. I had to do less set-up this time with the apps and making sure they're all signed in. Good for Apple on that front for making my life a little bit easier.

I dropped my old device off at the store. It was no hassle at all. They did ask for my ID and they scanned it. I sat there for a few minutes, signed the trade-in receipt and went on my merry way.

 

[dave006]

So, I still believe that AT&T may honor the remaining credits even if an installment is paid off early. Additionally, it seems unreasonable for AT&T to require customers to keep the installments when they could benefit from early pay-offs while customers keep their lines active and in good standing for the entire 36-month period.

OK you are free to believe that if you so chose. But why would AT&T continue to pay you $27.78 per month after you payoff the balance of your device. It just zero's out the value of your pre-payment of your installment balance.

Dave

 

[doccho]

OK you are free to believe that if you so chose. But why would AT&T continue to pay you $27.78 per month after you payoff the balance of your device. It just zero's out the value of your pre-payment of your installment balance.

Dave

As you know, if the credits are only given as long as the customer keeps the line active, then the key factor isn't really the installment plan, but whether the customer stays on the service. In that case, the early pay-off shouldn't matter as much because the customer can still receive credits as long as they maintain the line.

If AT&T's goal is to ensure continuous engagement, then the focus should be on encouraging customers to stay subscribed, not just on keeping them tied to the installment plan. In fact, allowing early pay-off while continuing credits could strengthen customer loyalty, showing flexibility and trust.

So, if AT&T insists on stopping credits after an early pay-off, they might be missing the bigger picture. It’s less about the structure of payments and more about making sure the customer stays committed to AT&T’s network.

I also understand why AT&T maintains this counterintuitive policy: to control customer payment behavior to maintain its predictable, steady revenue, prevent loopholes (like reselling devices), and reinforce long-term commitment. They use a "may" policy to retain leverage in customer interactions. Even though it’s handled on a case-by-case basis, it seems that when a customer intends to pay off early to unlock the device for use abroad, AT&T seems to have allowed the monthly credits to continue, based on what I've seen from customer postings.

What I don't understand is why AT&T doesn't allow device unlocking for the entire 36-month period, unlike other carriers. I think many early pay-offs happen because these AT&T customers want to unlock their devices for use abroad. Why would a customer choose to pay off early, taking on the financial burden, when the installment and credit automatically balance out each month, making the monthly billing statement more manageable?

 

[doccho]

As you know, if the credits are only given as long as the customer keeps the line active, then the key factor isn't really the installment plan, but whether the customer stays on the service. In that case, the early pay-off shouldn't matter as much because the customer can still receive credits as long as they maintain the line.

If AT&T's goal is to ensure continuous engagement, then the focus should be on encouraging customers to stay subscribed, not just on keeping them tied to the installment plan. In fact, allowing early pay-off while continuing credits could strengthen customer loyalty, showing flexibility and trust.

So, if AT&T insists on stopping credits after an early pay-off, they might be missing the bigger picture. It’s less about the structure of payments and more about making sure the customer stays committed to AT&T’s network.

I also understand why AT&T maintains this counterintuitive policy: to control customer payment behavior to maintain its predictable, steady revenue, prevent loopholes (like reselling devices), and reinforce long-term commitment. They use a "may" policy to retain leverage in customer interactions. Even though it’s handled on a case-by-case basis, it seems that when a customer intends to pay off early to unlock the device for use abroad, AT&T seems to have allowed the monthly credits to continue, based on what I've seen from customer postings.

What I don't understand is why AT&T doesn't allow device unlocking for the entire 36-month period, unlike other carriers. I think many early pay-offs happen because these AT&T customers want to unlock their devices for use abroad. Why would a customer choose to pay off early, taking on the financial burden, when the installment and credit automatically balance out each month, making the monthly billing statement more manageable?

I just found out that Verizon and T-Mobile have similar policies. The only difference is that they don't use the term "may" in their policies. I'm not sure how long these policies have been in place for Verizon, but T-Mobile has implemented this policy very recently.

For Verizon: Verizon Device Payment FAQs

For T-Mobile: T-Mobile Bill Credits Policy

It suggests there might be significant loopholes or abuse from some customers buying and selling devices, which could be why all major carriers have adopted such policies. However, AT&T is still the only one that does not allow any unlocking options during the 36-month installment period without losing bill credits.
(edit) I was mistaken; T-Mobile has the same requirement as AT&T, where devices must be paid in full to request an unlock, plus a 40-day waiting period. Verizon is the only carrier without this paid-in-full requirement; they simply require customers to stay in good standing for 60 days.

I distinctly remember that T-Mobile used to allow unlocking without such restrictions, encouraging customers to switch carriers freely by removing the traditional contract model. I’m not sure when this change happened, but now even T-Mobile imposes limitations that are almost as restrictive as the old contracts.
========
I did a bit more digging, and here’s what I found. Originally, carriers relied on contracts with early termination fees, but T-Mobile broke away from that by promoting equipment installment plans (EIPs). These interest-free plans keep customers tied down for 2-3 years, with promotional credits making devices cheaper through trade-ins.

However, carriers use device locks to prevent easy switching, creating a "chilling effect." Even loyal users who pay off early feel penalized by losing credits, which is what makes me uncomfortable. The FCC's recently proposed 60-day unlocking rule could weaken carrier control, prompting stricter policies.

 

[dave006]

@doccho welcome back to the realities of carrier Installment Agreements and monthly line credits.

Verizon is the only carrier without this paid-in-full requirement; they simply require customers to stay in good standing for 60 days.

The reason that Verizon is handled differently is due to a deal they struck with the FCC for additional spectrum in the 700 AWS MHz band and the TracFone acquisition.

Initially Verizon could not even sell locked iPhones after their 2 acquisitions in 2012. They pushed the FCC to allow them to lock iPhones for 60 days and finally in 2019 the FCC approved this request for a limited waiver. Verizon claimed it was necessary to have 60 day lock period to help with Stolen or Fraud purchases of Verizon Carrier devices.

Currently Verizon is required to automatically unlock devices after 60 days unless the device has been reported lost or stolen.

Dave

 

[OT2000]

I'm going to buy another Pro Max. Are delivery estimates still coming in at the estimated dates? Or are they arriving early yet?

 

[dave006]

I'm going to buy another Pro Max. Are delivery estimates still coming in at the estimated dates? Or are they arriving early yet?

Yes and if you order before 6 PM ET you might even get it on Friday or Monday depending on Color / Storage configuration if your order from AT&T direct.

Dave

 

[normanfox]

It took only 6 days (from phone drop-off) for credit to show up on payment schedule. I thought it would take a couple billing cycle to show up but it was quick and smooth

 

[normanfox]

Can you do this at AT&T? trade-in through Apple with some instant credit and some through AT&T. With this, you can pay off early and not losing much credit. I saw this from reddit for Verizon