Resolved Stupid question: What happens when your contract runs out?

[GooberMan]

Never owned an iPhone, but thought it would be a nifty device to have, especially the 6+ with it's large screen.

So what are the terms of the contract? And what happens when the contract runs out? Is it then simply usable like an iPod Touch?

Any help is appreciated!

 

[Applejuiced]

You become free like a bird

 

[eyoungren]

When your contract is up nothing happens. Visibly at least.

You continue as before, but several things about your relationship with your carrier do change.

1. You own the phone. You completed the terms of the contract, the phone is yours.
2. You no longer have any obligation to stay. The carrier cannot do anything to you financially if you decide to leave. You can also choose to stay if you want.
3. If you stay and do not enter into a new contract or any other binding obligation then you continue as before but you are now 'month-to-month'. As long as you continue to pay your bill you will receive service.

 

[Andres Cantu]

Many carriers continue to charge you the same amount of money even after your contract expires, thus the reason why many people upgrade right after the two years. It would be wise to check if you can lower your monthly payment after your contract expires.

 

[joeblow7777]

Never owned an iPhone, but thought it would be a nifty device to have, especially the 6+ with it's large screen.

So what are the terms of the contract? And what happens when the contract runs out? Is it then simply usable like an iPod Touch?

Any help is appreciated!

As others have said, the bottom line is that nothing really changes. As long as you continue to pay the bill, everything is the same as before. The only difference is that you are no longer obligated to stay with the carrier. At any time if you see a better deal with someone else, you can say you're done without having to pay to effectively buyout your remaining contract.

 

[GooberMan]

So it basically functions like an iPod Touch once your contract runs out?

 

[Nermal]

No, it functions like an iPhone. The contract running out usually doesn't affect your service, you're just no longer penalised for leaving.

 

[joeblow7777]

So it basically functions like an iPod Touch once your contract runs out?

No, you need to read the responses more carefully. As long as you pay your bill, you still have the same cellular service and data plan that you previously had.

 

[eyoungren]

So it basically functions like an iPod Touch once your contract runs out?

That's like saying your landlord comes to collect the house keys and throws you out when your lease is up.

No. It switches month to month and you get the same cellular service you always had during contract.

 

[GooberMan]

Not making myself clear here.

My thought is that I'd still like to use the device after the contract runs out, and not use it as a phone, just use it for apps.

In other words, is a plan required for the iPhone to function?

 

[C DM]

Not making myself clear here.

My thought is that I'd still like to use the device after the contract runs out, and not use it as a phone, just use it for apps.

In other words, is a plan required for the iPhone to function?

If you want to use it on a carrier with mobile data and calling/messaging then you still need to have it on a plan of some sort that provides that. Otherwise, if you don't need that and simply want to use the phone as an iPod Touch essentially you surely can (you can simply enable Airplane mode and the separately enable WiFi and Bluetooth if that's needed and that's that).

 

[Chundles]

If you want to take out the SIM card and run it like an iPod touch it'll do it. You'll need a SIM card to activate it though if you choose to restore the device at any stage. You can use the one in your new phone - it won't change anything and you can pull it out after you've finished the setup process anyway.

I usually sign a new contract once my current one is up, get the new phone and hand the old one down.

 

[timeconsumer]

So it basically functions like an iPod Touch once your contract runs out?

If your intention is to use it as an iPod touch wouldn't it be better and cheaper in the long run to just buy the phone outright?