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iPhone Upgrade Program Causing Headaches for Some Launch Day Customers
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So, I am a T-mobile customer on a prepaid plan, and had the appointment to purchase the iphone 6s and the IUP today. When time came they entered my account details and got back "you are not authorized to view this account". The Apple person helping me went to talk to the store manager and he said prepaid plans are not eligible for IUP, so they brought me a postpaid plan activation kit with T-mobile ($70/month or something) and told me I could get on the IUP by signing-up for that on the spot, or otherwise I'd have to just pay full price for the phone. I paid full price for the phone.
If prepaid customers are really ineligible, the information on the IUP on Apple's website is misleading at best, and dishonest at worst. Seems like a simple scam orchestrated with providers to get more people on their postpaid plans.
It also appears some people here with prepaid plans managed to get on the IUP, so it may vary with store management competency. Anyway, it would be great if someone here could clarify which type of plans are actually eligible for the IUP.
If I was a victim of a confused store manager, I would really like to still sign up for the IUP if T-mobile pre-paid plans are eligible. Kinda sucks to spend $1000 on a new gadget and leave the store with a sour mouth...
If prepaid customers are really ineligible, the information on the IUP on Apple's website is misleading at best, and dishonest at worst. Seems like a simple scam orchestrated with providers to get more people on their postpaid plans.
It also appears some people here with prepaid plans managed to get on the IUP, so it may vary with store management competency. Anyway, it would be great if someone here could clarify which type of plans are actually eligible for the IUP.
If I was a victim of a confused store manager, I would really like to still sign up for the IUP if T-mobile pre-paid plans are eligible. Kinda sucks to spend $1000 on a new gadget and leave the store with a sour mouth...
Same story here...my daughter has a debit card with $1000 in her account...denied. A Discover card with $1500 credit limit and 0 balance...denied. I let her use my card with a $25K credit limit/$4500 cash advance line...denied. The poor clerk at the Apple Store kept saying it wasn't Apple's fault it was Citizen Bank...well Apple chose them as their partner!
To the original thread.... Hopefully Apple and everyone can figure out what went wrong and correct it.
On another subject...I do think it's interesting that AppleCare + is actually required and not included at no additional cost. I thought it was included when I watched the keynote.
On another subject...I do think it's interesting that AppleCare + is actually required and not included at no additional cost. I thought it was included when I watched the keynote.
They did say that it was included in the Keynote. You're correct on that.
But with companies like Apple and credit card companies, you definitely have to read between the lines/finer print. Just because they said it was included, didn't mean that it was included for free. That was most of our faults for interpreting it that way. However, they are correct that it is included in the payments of the program, and not a flat, one time upfront purchase.
That's the advantage of the program. With the 128GB 6s, it's roughly a $160 difference in how much is paid over the course of 12 months, compared to ATT's Next 12, plus you wouldn't have to pay it off if you wanted to switch programs (read: Next 12 to AUP).
BL.
Getting a hard pull on your credit score just because you want to buy a phone that you will replace in a year. This just doesn't add up to me. People have no understanding of credit scores.
True. I didn't realize it was $160 difference compared to next. I'm a little surprise the carriers aren't upset with Apple. Or they might be an not voicing it.
If I can work it by taking a 5-point hit now, to raise it by 120 points within the next 6 - 8 months, I'd take the hit.
BL.
Anybody with this problem with TMobile the site is looking for the UPC in the model number field. It took 20 minutes to get this figured out at Cumberland Mall Apple Store in ATL.
It is, at the 12 month mark. After that point, it starts to even out, to where Next 12 and the AUP are less than 80 cents off eachother. Let me pull up the numbers... here we go.
My fault. I did this with the 6s+ at 128GB.
AUP:
44.91 * 12 = $538.92 (1 year mark)
44.91 * 24 = $1077.84 (paying off at 24th month)
ATT Next 12:
47.45 * 12 = $569.40 + 129 = $698.40
47.45 * 20 = $949 + 129 = $1078 (paying off at 20th month)
Difference at the 12 month mark: $159.48.
Difference at payoff: $0.16.
Then add in the unlocked phone. Bonus to AUP, while you'd have to ask ATT to unlock after paying off the phone.
BL.
Apple launched its iPhone Upgrade Program today in the U.S., enabling customers to purchase the iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus with AppleCare+ coverage included for 24 equal payments of between around $30 and $45 per month depending on the model. After at least 12 monthly payments, the customer can upgrade to a new iPhone and restart the 24-month payment cycle.
Apple stipulates that the iPhone Upgrade Program is available to qualified customers only with a valid U.S. personal credit card, since the program is based on a 24-month installment loan with a 0% APR from Citizens Bank. For customers with good credit, most did not expect this requirement to be an issue. But, as launch day unfolds, some customers have had frustrating experiences.
MacRumors user onujpt writes that he was declined from the program, despite having good credit and an Apple Barclaycard with a $4,000 available balance, in the iPhone Upgrade Program Experience Thread in our discussion forums. Many other users shared similar experiences in the thread.MacRumors user inkyoto echoed similar frustration in his thread Nightmarish Experience With Apple Upgrade Program in our discussion forums, noting that he was denied approval for the iPhone Upgrade Program with both Chase and Bank of America credit cards despite having "flawless credit."It is possible that iPhone Upgrade Program approvals have been experiencing problems due to the high volume of traffic today in Apple Stores, but in the meantime some customers with good credit may be forced to pay upfront or walk away empty handed. Alternatively, some customers may opt for a carrier financing plan from AT&T, Verizon, Sprint or T-Mobile.
Enrolling in the iPhone Upgrade Program requires visiting an Apple Store. Apple states you must be at least 18 years old and bring your current iPhone, a valid personal credit card, your personal information and two forms of identification and your carrier information, such as your wireless account password. The full terms and conditions are posted on Apple's website.
Article Link: iPhone Upgrade Program Causing Headaches for Some Launch Day Customers
That's exactly why I asked. After all I was applying for a loan through citizens bank. I was told it was only a "minor/soft credit check". Again, I have a 770 credit score so I wasn't concerned about a credit check. But I take my credit seriously and like to be accurately informed.
I had similar problems with T-Mobile. I have a family plan and went to jump our phones and they allow a small credit limit so I can't jump my phones. A single phone yes but not multiple phones on a jump program. I've been trying to order since September 12. So much for T-mobiles new jump program. I still can't get on the order list for the iPhone 6s. Makes me wonder if this is a scam by T-mobile
Yep--same thing happened to me. Joined companies biz account via BYOD to get insane $43 unlimited everything, instead of $97 I was paying. No AUP. System literally wouldn't let them. Bought full price, but just means selling, if I choice in 12mos, BUT I am carrier free, so there you go.
Why don't they do credit checks before registering for the iphone upgrade program?
Once I know it is financed through some bank (NOT by apple itself), it was never attractive option.
My credit history is more worth than buying iPhone in installment plan with some bank I do not even know.
mostly we should all go with the carrier installment plan or buy the iPhone FULL price.
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I've been waiting all month with my current 5s cracked up piece of garbage. I waited in line for an hour this morning, had to leave. Then tonight I went back and was denied with both of my cards. I have a credit score of 720 and I used 1 card with a $200 balance, $12000 limit, denied. Then one with a $6000 balance, $15000 limit, denied. So frustrating I'm not even sure what to do, I was set on using the upgrade program.
Actually one of the Apple payment plan is a simple 24-month installment plan without AppleCare and no option to upgrade early. It is similar to the 24- month installment plan from the carriers except that you get your phone unlocked.
I agree 100%. Next is less expensive and less of a hassel. The AT&T store closest to my office is a 20 minute drive. I took an early lunch break to go there today and I was back to the office with my new phone in hand in less than an hour round-trip. Sure it doesn't include Apple Care but for me that's better because for a couple more bucks a month I can ensure it through AT&T and I'm still spending less per month than going through Apple's program.
The only downside is that it's slightly more expensive to replace the phone through AT&T's insurance program if something happens to it but considering that I've been an iPhone owner since the original model was released and have only damaged an iPhone once I'm not too worried about accidentally damaging it and needing to use the insurance.
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It's possible if the iPhone is launched in a single city, not the entire world. But then we'll have whiners issue.