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btrach144

macrumors demi-god
Original poster
Aug 28, 2015
3,029
7,553
Indiana
Hello,

I was in Costa Rica on business and robbed at gunpoint and then pistol whipped in the forehead after handing over my wallet and iPhone 7 Plus 128 GB Jet Black.

I had bought the phone through Apple's upgrade program. After getting back to the USA, I went to the Apple store to see what my options were. I decided to purchase a new iPhone 7 Plus 128 GB Jet Black at full price.

My question is.... can I use the iPhone I currently have to upgrade to a new iPhone 8/Pro later this year? The phones are exactly the same but they have separate serial numbers. I asked the store salesperson if this would be possible but they told me no because the serial numbers have to match.

I'm still making the monthly payments on the original phone so I'm confused as to why this wouldn't be possible. Has anyone else lost their phone and bought a carbon copy only later to exchange it in the upgrade program?
 
Sorry, this can't be done. Apple requires the serial number to match, unless Apple replaces it themselves for a warranty issue in which case they will update the serial number attached to your IUP. You should just sell the phone you have, pay off the IUP, and start a new IUP when you buy the iPhone 8.
 
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Costa Rica really that bad. Man, and I wanted to go later this year.
I was there for 4 weeks and it happened in my final weekend. I had let my guard down and walked from a bar to my hotel (less than a block) at night and that's when it happened.

Point is, take an uber from the steps of point A to point B.

I was with a local and it was his second time getting robbed at gun point.

It's a shame because the locals are great with the exception of a few bad apples.

What exactly were you wanting to see? I honestly didn't find any of their beaches that great and the traffic in San Jose is a f***** nightmare. It's the worst traffic I've seen in my life.

My favorite part of the trip was rafting along the Costa Rican and Nicaraguain borders. That's something I can do in the USA though.

If you like dirty beaches with rough waves and spending half your day in traffic, Costa Rica is for you.

I'm married but man, there are some of the most beautiful woman there. I didn't partake but if I wasn't married, I'd be coming back married :D
 
I was there for 4 weeks and it happened in my final weekend. I had let my guard down and walked from a bar to my hotel (less than a block) at night and that's when it happened.

Point is, take an uber from the steps of point A to point B.

I was with a local and it was his second time getting robbed at gun point.

It's a shame because the locals are great with the exception of a few bad apples.

What exactly were you wanting to see? I honestly didn't find any of their beaches that great and the traffic in San Jose is a f***** nightmare. It's the worst traffic I've seen in my life.

My favorite part of the trip was rafting along the Costa Rican and Nicaraguain borders. That's something I can do in the USA though.

If you like dirty beaches with rough waves and spending half your day in traffic, Costa Rica is for you.

I'm married but man, there are some of the most beautiful woman there. I didn't partake but if I wasn't married, I'd be coming back married :D

Lol, never been there so wife and I wanted to go out there to explore. Will just go to Honolulu where I’ll know I’ll be safe lol.
 
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Lol, never been there so wife and I wanted to go out there to explore. Will just go to Honolulu where I’ll know I’ll be safe lol.
Hawaii is much better :) maybe more pricey but loads better. If you get a chance, hit up Wailea on Maui. Beautiful area, safe, great beaches, great shops and food, and it only rains 3 days out of the year!
 
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Hello,

I was in Costa Rica on business and robbed at gunpoint and then pistol whipped in the forehead after handing over my wallet and iPhone 7 Plus 128 GB Jet Black.

I had bought the phone through Apple's upgrade program. After getting back to the USA, I went to the Apple store to see what my options were. I decided to purchase a new iPhone 7 Plus 128 GB Jet Black at full price.

My question is.... can I use the iPhone I currently have to upgrade to a new iPhone 8/Pro later this year? The phones are exactly the same but they have separate serial numbers. I asked the store salesperson if this would be possible but they told me no because the serial numbers have to match.

I'm still making the monthly payments on the original phone so I'm confused as to why this wouldn't be possible. Has anyone else lost their phone and bought a carbon copy only later to exchange it in the upgrade program?
Surely the obvious thing to do in this situation is GIVE APPLE A CALL. Rather that get speculative answers from people on here who are just giving their best guess, they will be able to give you the correct answer...
 
Surely the obvious thing to do in this situation is GIVE APPLE A CALL. Rather that get speculative answers from people on here who are just giving their best guess, they will be able to give you the correct answer...
I should have mentioned that. I did call and they said the serial numbers should match. They cancelled the remainder of AppleCare.

Guess I'll have to take the advice of others and sell my phone on eBay, which is a hassle.
 
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