I computed the cost of an iPhone with AppleCare on 0% interest for 24 months and it’s equivalent to having a two year contract. So, I suggest getting the iUP program and simply don’t upgrade every year.
The unfortunate part of being a fanboy and being on the iUP is the fact that I can upgrade every year, and the program was created for that reason.
The two year contract days, buying a subsidized phone (usually bought the mid-tier phone with more GBs than the entry phone) was $299 (the unsubsidized price was $750). I was also able to sell my iPhone for $300+. I had multiple lines, so I was able to upgrade every year (juggling act). The iUP, I feel is more expensive given the fact that I’ve already paid 50% and I cannot sell the phone for the rest of the 50% balance due, so it’s best to give it up and trade it in. The two year subsidized plan you’re able to keep the phone (in my case) after each year. So I still feel the 2 year contract subsidized phones days were a lot better in comparison, given how I was able to juggle my lines to upgrade every year. It just worked better for my scenario.
Edit: here’s a comparison since at that time the iPhone 6 unsubsidized is the same price as the iPhone XR and lets back out the AppleCare because it was different pricing at the time:
2 year contract:
iPhone 6 64gb (at release, unsubsidized price at $749)
- You pay $299 upfront
- You get to keep the phone
iUP
iPhone XR 64gb valued at $749, no Apple care
- You pay $31.21/month for 12 months = $374.52
- You still owe 12 more payments
Your options after 12 months:
(1) trade in to satisfy the remaining 12 payments to get the new phone
(2) Pay for another 12 months to keep the phone
