Carrier iPhone upgrade options

Discussion in 'iPhone' started by walds11, Aug 8, 2017.

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  1. walds11, Aug 8, 2017

    walds11 macrumors 6502a

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    #1
    Here is my situation. I have 4 lines with AT&T. I usually upgrade when the new iPhone is released and pass my device down to one of my family members. My line is currently on the AT&T NEXT plan (upgraded to iPhone 7 last September). The other 3 lines are all upgrade eligible. This is my first time with the NEXT plan, so please bear with me. What is the best/smoothest option to set myself up for the next iPhone? Payoff device before the new iPhone is released so my line is upgrade eligible? I prefer to upgrade via the Apple app, not through AT&T. I did a "dummy" iPhone 7 upgrade on the Apple app and the only option is contract free pricing. How long does it take for Apple's system to pick up that device was paid in full at AT&T?
     
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  2. rui no onna, Aug 8, 2017

    rui no onna macrumors 603

    rui no onna

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    #2
    You can use the lines of other family members and then just swap your SIM card once you receive the new iPhone. Of course, that means you'll be paying for 2x installment plans. If I were upgrading, that's the route I'll take and then just pay off the iPhone 7 on your line when you want.

    I do have a question, do you have the special promo on your iPhone 7 line wherein you get $27 credit every month to offset the installment? If so, I wouldn't even bother paying it off.
     
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  3. walds11, Aug 8, 2017

    walds11 thread starter macrumors 6502a

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    #3
    Yes, that’s definitely an option, but not sure I want 2 NEXT installment plans at once. Well, I guess it’s either pay now or pay later. It's nice to know there are options.

    No, I don’t have the special promo on my iPhone 7 line. How does one obtain this special promo?
     
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  4. rui no onna, Aug 8, 2017

    rui no onna macrumors 603

    rui no onna

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    #4
    The promo was at the time of purchase only, sorry. Trade in an iPhone 6 for an iPhone 7/7+ and you get a $650 credit over 24/30 months.

    Also, the reason I was recommending using another line for the upgrade is so you have a guaranteed available line just in case the payoff takes a while to process and before your own line becomes upgrade eligible.
     
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  5. walds11, Aug 8, 2017

    walds11 thread starter macrumors 6502a

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    #5
    No worries, never hurts to ask.

    Yea, that's not a bad idea, but I have 4 lines on the plan and 3 are eligible for an upgrade.
     
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  6. walds11, Aug 8, 2017

    walds11 thread starter macrumors 6502a

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    #6
    How long does it take for Apple's system to pick up that the device was paid in full at AT&T?
     
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  7. walds11, Aug 22, 2017

    walds11 thread starter macrumors 6502a

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    #7
    Follow-up question…is there a way to upgrade another line on my plan using my apple ID on the Apple Store app? I’m not able to edit the Wireless Number on the Carrier Account screen in the app (it’s shaded out, but Billing Zip Code and Last 4 of SS# are editable). I can edit the wireless number in safari, which is a workaround, but I prefer to use the app.
     
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  8. rui no onna, Aug 22, 2017

    rui no onna macrumors 603

    rui no onna

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    If it's shaded out, then it's probably not possible in-app.
     
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  9. walds11, Aug 22, 2017

    walds11 thread starter macrumors 6502a

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    You are probably right. I bet it has to do with the default/setting in the app. Well, at least there is a workaround. I'm preparing myself for the iPhone 8 preorder :)
     
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  10. walds11, Aug 23, 2017

    walds11 thread starter macrumors 6502a

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    #10
    Update: I can update the wireless number on the app on my iPad, but not on my iPhone. It must be the default/setting on app on my iPhone.
     
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  11. rui no onna, Aug 23, 2017
    Last edited: Aug 23, 2017

    rui no onna macrumors 603

    rui no onna

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    #11
    Yeah, on the iPhone, I think it's limited to the phone number of the device you're using. I reckon that actually works and is the simplest way to go for majority of iPhone users. The iPad wouldn't have that restriction for obvious reasons.
     
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  12. walds11, Aug 23, 2017

    walds11 thread starter macrumors 6502a

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    That makes sense. If I do use my wife's line to upgrade, I need to make sure her iPhone is close by so I can grab the one-time passcode. That shouldn't be a problem at 3:00am EST. She'll be sleeping :)
     
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