Carrier AT&T Next vs. Apple iPhone Upgrade Program

[bsmith4832]

thanks. that's somewhat my intention. hopefully i get a good trade in for my iP6 and i'll be putting down at least $200 in cash up front (maybe more) but don't mind the difference of the payment to my monthly bill but as i do with my truck payment - I put more towards the principle. though the car method doesn't lower my payment but curious if it does with ATT next. i'd like the option of getting a new one after 12 months but if i don't like it - i'll hang onto it.

I paid cash up front when I bought my 7 Plus. However, as far as I know, since these plans are 0% I believe any over-payment automatically goes towards total cost but simply changes the payment end date as opposed to changing the total cost per month. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[kyleh22]

...start with Apple upgrade program because I would like an unlocked phone.

I bought my phone from ATT and they unlocked it for me. I just had to call them. I was traveling overseas and they said they could unlock it for me.

 

[rui no onna]

I paid cash up front when I bought my 7 Plus. However, as far as I know, since these plans are 0% I believe any over-payment automatically goes towards total cost but simply changes the payment end date as opposed to changing the total cost per month. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

Nah. It lowers your monthly payment. Caveat, if you do a down payment, your "trade-in" value could decrease.

For example, AT&T Next Upgrade Every Year with a $649 iPhone:

$0 down payment
Monthly Payments: $27.06 x 12 months = $324.72
Total Out of Pocket: $0 + $324.72 = 324.72
Effective Trade-in Value: $649 - $324.72 = $324.28

$200 down payment
Monthly Payments: $18.75 x 12 months = $225
Total Out of Pocket: $200 + $225 = $425
Effective Trade-in Value: $649 - $425 = $224

You are upgrade eligible a few months earlier with the $200 down. Question is will a new iPhone already be released at that point or will you have to wait and end up paying AT&T more than you have to?

Personally, I'd rather not do a down payment to keep my options open. Once you give AT&T money, you can't take it back. Meanwhile, I can always pay off the necessary balance later with no early payment penalty.

 

[bsmith4832]

Nah. It lowers your monthly payment. Caveat, if you do a down payment, your "trade-in" value could decrease.

For example, AT&T Next Upgrade Every Year with a $649 iPhone:

$0 down payment
Monthly Payments: $27.06 x 12 months = $324.72
Total Out of Pocket: $0 + $324.72 = 324.72
Effective Trade-in Value: $649 - $324.72 = $324.28

$200 down payment
Monthly Payments: $18.75 x 12 months = $225
Total Out of Pocket: $200 + $225 = $425
Effective Trade-in Value: $649 - $425 = $224

You are upgrade eligible a few months earlier with the $200 down. Question is will a new iPhone already be released at that point or will you have to wait and end up paying AT&T more than you have to?

Personally, I'd rather not do a down payment to keep my options open. Once you give AT&T money, you can't take it back. Meanwhile, I can always pay off the necessary balance later with no early payment penalty.

Makes sense. Thank you for clearing that up for me!

 

[yanki01]

does make sense. never been on the next program since my iP6 was on a 2yr contract and have been eligible since last release. i think this year i want to take advantage of the ATT next plan but considered it with cash down (even if i didn't need to). also thinking of going with AC+ for the first time since i would like to eventually go caseless.

 

[rui no onna]

does make sense. never been on the next program since my iP6 was on a 2yr contract and have been eligible since last release. i think this year i want to take advantage of the ATT next plan but considered it with cash down (even if i didn't need to). also thinking of going with AC+ for the first time since i would like to eventually go caseless.

If you're getting AC+ anyway, just go with the Apple iPhone Upgrade Program. That way, your phone is unlocked right from the beginning.

 

[CPTmom2wp]

This.

If you're trading a paid off phone in, however, it's worth taking note in who is offering the better trade value.

That is the only difference I'm aware of. And ATT also offers Apple Care to purchase outright when purchasing a new phone.

 

[imlynxy]

I'm using att, but I buy VZW Apple Upgrade phone due to modem difference.

 

[wxnats]

I have a paid off 7 plus and likely upgrading to Pro Max. I’m considering doing AUP instead of Next like I did with ATT for the 7 Plus. Only reason why I’m considering AUP instead of just doing Next and keeping it for 3+ years is the 5G phone potential next year. Anyone else recently convert?

 

[AustinIllini]

Apple's system is just easier. The end.

Actually, the best reason is the iPhone loan is with a 3rd party bank. Essentially, if you decided to resell your device, Swappa won't allow you to sell it because AT&T could disconnect the device if you stop paying.

Go Apple. You take out a third party loan and own the device outright.