iPhone 13 ATT vs. Apple Upgrade Program confusion

[Savage]

I am a bit out of the loop on the iPhone 13 upgrade/trade-in stuff and have some questions.

I am currently using the Apple Upgrade Program. I have about $600 left in installments. Each installment is about $58 a month. I was planning to upgrade to the iPhone 13 and continue this program.

However, I looked at my ATT app and apparently the iPhone 13 would cost about $6 a month with a trade-in of my current phone?

Am I understanding that correctly? $6 a month with ATT? Is there a reason to not use the ATT plan instead?

 

[Savage]

pls send help

 

[eyedoc2020]

Pretty sure to utilize the ATT trade in…you would need to pay off the phone through Apple. Then once it is paid off, you trade it in with ATT.

 

[Ctg44]

Yes, you will need to have your phone paid off in order to turn it into ATT. Also, the discounts are over 3 years.

 

[Savage]

Pretty sure to utilize the ATT trade in…you would need to pay off the phone through Apple. Then once it is paid off, you trade it in with ATT.

Yes, you will need to have your phone paid off in order to turn it into ATT. Also, the discounts are over 3 years.

Thanks.

So this is basically continue on the Apple Program at about $58 a month or pay off the $600 today and start $6 a month for 3 years. A decision for me to think about.

Thanks again!

 

[dstew201]

Thanks.

So this is basically continue on the Apple Program at about $58 a month or pay off the $600 today and start $6 a month for 3 years. A decision for me to think about.

Thanks again!

What contract are you entering into?

So $6 a month for the phone, but what’s the other fees for 3 years? That you’re locked into? I think for 5 bucks a month, additional, you get the year upgrade option??

I saw the promo at the AT&T store was too lazy to read the fine print.

 

[Savage]

What contract are you entering into?

So $6 a month for the phone, but what’s the other fees for 3 years? That you’re locked into? I think for 5 bucks a month, additional, you get the year upgrade option??

I saw the promo at the AT&T store was too lazy to read the fine print.

The only requirement I’m certain of is that you need to stay on the unlimited data Elite plan which I already use. It’s $85 a month but I pay $53 after discounts. The unlimited data plan is great for me because I live on the road so my data = my wifi. That said, I wouldn’t mind being locked into it.

 

[dstew201]

The only requirement I’m certain of is that you need to stay on the unlimited data Elite plan which I already use. It’s $85 a month but I pay $53 after discounts. The unlimited data plan is great for me because I live on the road so my data = my wifi. That said, I wouldn’t mind being locked into it.

Interesting… I’m also in the unlimited elite plan!

 

[dstew201]

The only requirement I’m certain of is that you need to stay on the unlimited data Elite plan which I already use. It’s $85 a month but I pay $53 after discounts. The unlimited data plan is great for me because I live on the road so my data = my wifi. That said, I wouldn’t mind being locked into it.

But if I do the math correctly (and it’s still early):

in my case I pay $600 to end IP12Max IUP ($50 for 12 months is what it works out to be) and pay AT&T $16 a month for 1TB IP13 pro max (this includes $5/month for option to upgrade after 1yr)
That $66/month before tax … AND I think I would have to cough up $600 next year to upgrade to the 14.

did I do that correctly? What benefit do I get being a yearly upgrader?? I might as well stay in the IUP.

I think it works out best if you already own the phone and upgrade 2-3 years ???

 

[Savage]

But if I do the math correctly (and it’s still early):

in my case I pay $600 to end IP12Max IUP ($50 for 12 months is what it works out to be) and pay AT&T $16 a month for 1TB IP13 pro max (this includes $5/month for option to upgrade after 1yr)
That $66/month before tax … AND I think I would have to cough up $600 next year to upgrade to the 14.

did I do that correctly? What benefit do I get being a yearly upgrader?? I might as well stay in the IUP.

I think it works out best if you already own the phone and upgrade 2-3 years ???

Your math is probably correct and I think you’re mostly right about it not making sense for you.

I think it would make sense for someone that both 1) isn’t upgrading yearly and 2) is looking to spend less on their monthly bills but not necessarily concerned about the length of the loan.

 

[sjperformance]

Do it if you don’t care to upgrade every year. But that’s why you’re probably on Apple upgrade program. Last year I got my mom an iPhone 12 via at AT&T trade in promo. He previous device was an iPhone 8+. My mom doesn’t care to have the newest iPhone every year. I don’t plan on leaving AT&T any time soon. I do pay for my moms cell phone bill and phone. She’s under my plan. I’m the one who actually gets her the new phones. All she cares is that her service is good and iPhone running good. It’s been 1 year with the iPhone 12. I won’t upgrade her until the trade in promo requirements are met. Now for me I can’t do this program. I stick with the Apple upgrade program. I’m a yearly upgrader.

 

[dstew201]

Right. I was tempted to return my 13 PM , if the the previous loan closed out within the 14 day return window and switch over to the AT&T next program, but you’re right as a yearly upgrader it doesn’t save me anything. Besides it’s a lot easier dealing with Apple directly!

 

[sjperformance]

Right. I was tempted to return my 13 PM , if the the previous loan closed out within the 14 day return window and switch over to the AT&T next program, but you’re right as a yearly upgrader it doesn’t save me anything. Besides it’s a lot easier dealing with Apple directly!

Yes stay away from carriers trade in programs. Not good for us yearly upgraders. Also with AT&T phones can’t be unlocked until paid for. Meanwhile with Apple they are unlocked. Not that it matters today. Just good info to know. Been buying my iPhones directly from Apple last few years. Actually since iPhone 6. Nothing beats buying direct from Apple.