Best way to buy new iPhone?

[badlydrawnboy]

I have an iPhone 7 Plus and am eligible for an upgrade through Verizon starting on 10/2.

For better or for worse, I do tend to upgrade every year. I'm wondering if it's best for me to wait until October when I'm eligible for upgrade through Verizon, or just to sign up for the iPhone upgrade program now since I do upgrade every year?

I plan to buy either the 8 Plus or the X, if that makes a difference.

Thanks.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Much has to do about your financial status. How could we know that?

We will be lucky if the 8 is out by October.

 

[titrau]

I think best way is pay it full with financing
that easy treat and quicker preorder and pickup /

 

[Riffz60]

Hard to say without more detail..

One thing I would say is there's no such thing as a 'good' deal with these phones - you always end up paying for it eventually.

Most networks now offer monthly instalments as part of the plan in the form of 0% credit. Alternatively you can buy outright and generally you will get 50%+ resale value after one year for your phone - essentially the same as what you would get for a yearly upgrade plan contracted to 2 years.

What I would avoid is any plan that is charging you for this credit. Other than that it's up to you if you want to pay monthly or pay all out in one go.

 

[badlydrawnboy]

Financial situation: solid. Own my own business and can afford to buy the phone outright if I save money doing it that way.

I guess I don't understand how the upgrade program works. I assumed that since you pay monthly and it includes AppleCare you end up paying more than if you buy the phone up front. However, maybe that's not true—especially if I'm upgrading every year, because I only get the discounted price through Verizon every two years.

So I guess what I'm asking is this: if I plan to upgrade every year, and I can afford it, does the iPhone upgrade program make the most sense? Since the upgrade plan is contracted to 2 years, what happens when I upgrade to the new phone one year later and still have a year of payments left on the old phone?

I realize the X probably won't ship until after October 2nd, but if I pre-order this week I have to figure this out sooner.

 

[Riffz60]

Financial situation: solid. Own my own business and can afford to buy the phone outright if I save money doing it that way.

I guess I don't understand how the upgrade program works. I assumed that since you pay monthly and it includes AppleCare you end up paying more than if you buy the phone up front. However, maybe that's not true—especially if I'm upgrading every year, because I only get the discounted price through Verizon every two years.

So I guess what I'm asking is this: if I plan to upgrade every year, and I can afford it, does the iPhone upgrade program make the most sense? Since the upgrade plan is contracted to 2 years, what happens when I upgrade to the new phone one year later and still have a year of payments left on the old phone?

I realize the X probably won't ship until after October 2nd, but if I pre-order this week I have to figure this out sooner.

I've seen that there is a way to get it without apple care (though I haven't tried it myself).

If I was that financially secure I would just buy outright and resell for 50% value after one year. That is essentially what the upgrade programme offers but you're tied down for 2 years and monthly payments. Overall the cost would be the same you'd just lose flexibility.

With the upgrade programme the cost of one phone is spread over a 2 year contract, after one year you can trade in the phone and the contract will reset to last for another 2 years. After one year you would have paid 50% of the cost off which is why it works out the same as buying outright each year.

 

[predation]

Financial situation: solid. Own my own business and can afford to buy the phone outright if I save money doing it that way.

I guess I don't understand how the upgrade program works. I assumed that since you pay monthly and it includes AppleCare you end up paying more than if you buy the phone up front. However, maybe that's not true—especially if I'm upgrading every year, because I only get the discounted price through Verizon every two years.

So I guess what I'm asking is this: if I plan to upgrade every year, and I can afford it, does the iPhone upgrade program make the most sense? Since the upgrade plan is contracted to 2 years, what happens when I upgrade to the new phone one year later and still have a year of payments left on the old phone?

I realize the X probably won't ship until after October 2nd, but if I pre-order this week I have to figure this out sooner.

It's 0% financing through iUP.
Makes business sense.


As far as upgrading, you need to have at least 12 months paid. Upgrade and the 2 years starts again.

 

[badlydrawnboy]

It's 0% financing through iUP.
Makes business sense.


As far as upgrading, you need to have at least 12 months paid. Upgrade and the 2 years starts again.

Okay, so it sounds like the best options would be:
1) Do the upgrade program. (I'm leaning toward this.)
2) Wait until 10/2 and upgrade through Verizon this year, since I'll be eligible for the "upgrade" price. Then next year just buy the phone outright and sell my old one.

Frankly #1 seems easier. Convenience is another factor. If I do the upgrade program I'd just put it on autopay on my business credit card and forget about it. Then I just trade in the old phone and don't have to worry about selling it each year, right?

 

[predation]

Okay, so it sounds like the best options would be:
1) Do the upgrade program. (I'm leaning toward this.)
2) Wait until 10/2 and upgrade through Verizon this year, since I'll be eligible for the "upgrade" price. Then next year just buy the phone outright and sell my old one.

Frankly #1 seems easier. Convenience is another factor. If I do the upgrade program I'd just put it on autopay on my business credit card and forget about it. Then I just trade in the old phone and don't have to worry about selling it each year, right?

Yup. I'd go route number 1 since you're on Verizon. I'm on T-Mobile and HAVE to go in store. (-_-).


Good to see someone own their own business and take charge of their life.


I'm planning on starting my own business very soon. Would love to pm off the forums to pick your brain.