Carrier AT&T iPhone7 FALL2016TRADE credits continue with account NOT device

[dontworry]

I figured there would be others like me that traded in a phone last year for the free iPhone7 and that wanted to buy the new iPhone8 without losing the trade-in credits, so we can discuss it here.

Here was the original trade-in deal details:
https://www.att.com/esupport/article.html#!/wireless/KM1123971

I'm planning on buying iPhone8 full price and handing-down the 7 to someone else, but I was worried I would lose the remaining credits if I swapped the SIM but it appears that the credits will continue.

Here's an explanation:
https://forums.att.com/t5/Wireless-...s-iPhone-7-Trade-In-deal-Credits/td-p/5119841
"You can keep getting the credits, no matter what you do with the phone. It will not be unlocked until paid off. If you cancel service credits stop and the balance is due"

The only question I have is, can you pre-order a non-next phone for full price? And where, AT&T or Apple? I've always subsidized or traded in.

If anyone has anything to add, please contribute.

 

[gurase]

Pre order for full price from Apple. You can select the AT&T model and they'll ask for your account info. Shouldn't affect your credits. Also all full price phones purchased directly from Apple are unlocked out of the box.

 

[rui no onna]

Thanks for the info. I expected this to be the case but nice to have the confirmation.

If you're paying full price, Apple is better.

 

[dontworry]

Pre order for full price from Apple. You can select the AT&T model and they'll ask for your account info. Shouldn't affect your credits. Also all full price phones purchased directly from Apple are unlocked out of the box.

I thought unlocked phones weren't usually available at launch? or is that just the SIM-free models?

 

[gurase]

I thought unlocked phones weren't usually available at launch? or is that just the SIM-free models?

Just SIM-free. Apple only locks phones purchased directly from them if they are subsidized or on a carrier payment plan. The carrier models require that you enter your account info when ordering online (except T-Mobile).

I wish they would just offer one universal model and let anyone preorder it....