The most awaited iPhone upgrade program for the iPhone 16 series has hit the market. The upgrade program enables the user to change their smartphone annually on a monthly installment basis. You can now purchase an iPhone through 24 monthly installments. But the exciting feature is that you can upgrade automatically after making 12 installments if you buy a new iPhone with an upgrade option.
This article discusses the iPhone upgrade program’s features, benefits, and limitations. It also compares the program to alternative upgrade choices, including trade-ins and Verizon’s program. We’ll also look at the price, eligibility standards, and the level to which it meets customers’ value expectations.
What is the iPhone Upgrade Program?
With the iPhone upgrade program, customers can buy a new iPhone with 24 monthly payments, including AppleCare+ protection. After trading in their old iPhone and joining a new 24-month plan, customers can upgrade once they have made 12 payments.
iPhones are unlocked and available with many carriers, including T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. Apple charges no additional costs for customers who want to pay for their phones over time with interest-free financing options. Returning an old iPhone to Apple is easy; upgrades can be done online or in-store.
Verizon iPhone Upgrade Program
To upgrade an iPhone from Verizon, you must meet certain conditions, such as paying 50% or more in advance through an installment plan. After meeting those conditions, you can replace the old iPhone with a new one and a new payment plan. Verizon occasionally offers that you can trade in your old iPhone for a free or overall upgrade.
Verizon will decide whether you are eligible for an upgrade based on your payment plan and device status. Verizon typically sends notifications to customers, but you can also check this on your status at My Devices. If you have paid at least half the device’s original price on your phone, you might also qualify to upgrade too early.
Offers for Verizon upgrades may be beneficial, especially if you trade in an old device or take advantage of discounts. Verizon mainly provides trade-in credits or discounts for new devices to help you cover the upfront expenses. Return your device in good condition and wipe all personal data within 30 days of trade-in. Verizon is most robust for customers who need reliability with high-speed 5G connectivity.
How Does the iPhone Upgrade Program Work?
With the Apple iPhone upgrade program, buyers can easily buy an iPhone yearly in monthly installments instead of paying the total price of the device all at once. The program includes both the phone’s cost and AppleCare+ coverage. With the help of this program, users can upgrade at a more affordable and flexible price and remain up to date with Apple’s latest innovations.
iPhone Upgrade Program vs Trade-In
The trade-in process involves the following stages:
- You only get to have the latest iPhone after making 12 payments, and you are not limited to paying for the total value for 24 months to get the latest version.
- To upgrade, you must return your existing iPhone in perfect condition. Apple will check the device to ensure it meets the required criteria and is free of defects or severe damage. If the new iPhone meets the requirements, you can trade it and begin a new payment plan.
- After the trade-in, your new 24-month contract for the latest iPhone starts. Your monthly payments reset and begin again based on the new device’s cost.
- A purchaser of the new iPhone automatically gets insured against accidental damage and has coverage under AppleCare+.
You can easily change to the newest Apple product in the iPhone upgrade program. You won’t get to keep your old phone for this upgrade, so you cannot sell it or use it as an advantage to gain a discount.
iPhone Upgrade Program cost
The iPhone upgrade program has 0% interest payments for the first 24 months. The monthly iPhone cost depends on the model and capacity one chooses. For example, an iPhone 15 will cost you approximately $39.50, while an iPhone 15 Pro Max will cost you roughly $54.12.
The cost also includes AppleCare+, which covers damage caused by accidents and battery issues. After 12 payments, you can choose to keep the iPhone, or after 24, you can upgrade to a new model. Sales tax is paid in advance, and no additional financing expenses exist.
Credit Check for the iPhone Upgrade Program
A credit check must be required to qualify for the Apple iPhone upgrade program. It will determine your eligibility for the 24-month installment finance plan. This credit check will help formulate your monthly payment plan with 0% interest. Once qualified, you can pay for your iPhone, and then you’ll benefit from an upgrade after 12 payments.
You’ll need to provide the following information as you register for the iPhone upgrade program: your birthdate, Social Security number, and annual income. However, a legal American credit or debit card is required, as prepaid cards are not accepted.
Eligibility for the iPhone Upgrade Program:
To qualify for the iPhone upgrade program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Clear a credit assessment to confirm your ability to pay on time each month.
- Your age must be 18 years old.
- To manage your account, make sure your Apple ID is active.
- For trade-in eligibility, your current iPhone must be in good condition.
- You can buy it online or from the Apple Store.
- Your country must be available for the program.
You may be eligible for the iPhone upgrade program if you fulfill all the above requirements.
Is the iPhone Upgrade Program Worth It?
Is the iPhone Upgrade Program genuinely worth it, or do customers need to know something else? Those who planned to stay with Apple in the future were curious about these things.
Suppose you should always have an upgraded iPhone. This program is worth its cost because it offers the benefit of paying your monthly installment via AppleCare+ coverage. With AppleCare+, you can purchase a more extended warranty and receive up to two annual visits for accidental damage service.
This service has unlocked phones and interest-free financing, allowing you to choose your carrier. The only drawback is that this is not ideal if you want to sell your phone or keep it entirely because you would have to return the device to upgrade. Phones from manufacturers or carriers would be cheaper if you didn’t upgrade your device yearly.
How to Cancel the iPhone Upgrade Program?
You can cancel the iPhone upgrade program anytime, but you will be responsible for paying the remainder on your device. After making the final payment, you can keep your phone, but you won’t be able to update or use AppleCare+ protection after a year. You can easily cancel it by calling Apple or managing your account through the Apple ID.
How do you cancel the iPhone upgrade program in Midway?
You can stop the iOS update installation process even after it has started. Turning Airplane Mode on from the Control Center disables your iPhone from the internet. In this manner, you can also stop downloading any iOS update.
It can also cancel the update’s installation; if it has been downloaded but hasn’t been installed, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, look for iOS update, and swipe it to delete it. You must also change the auto-download settings before switching off Airplane Mode to stop further automatic updates.
Apple iPhone Upgrade Program Review
With AppleCare+ included under the Apple iPhone upgrade program (iUP), users can upgrade to a new iPhone yearly. For example, the iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) costs $58.25 monthly with iUP. It offers an upgrade opportunity, costing $699 after a full year.
However, many users question whether they are overpaying because the overall cost over two years can exceed $1,398, maybe even more than the phone’s price.
Although it simplifies the process and includes AppleCare+, some argue that it lacks early payment flexibility, needs a credit check, and requires activation with a leading service. Many customers recommend selling old iPhones on places like eBay as a more cost-effective choice than buying a new one.
The iPhone upgrade program is outstanding for people constantly looking for new technology and wanting to know they will always have AppleCare+ available. Still, it is less suitable for those who sell their devices often or want to keep them longer.
FAQs
Does early iPhone payment impact AppleCare+?
Your early iPhone payoff will not affect your AppleCare+ subscription. At this point, your 24-month subscription to AppleCare+ will be active until the last day or until you decide to update your device.
What if I wanted to upgrade my iPhone 15, but it was damaged?
If your iPhone 15 is damaged, you should have it fixed before trading it in. AppleCare+ will cover a few minor repairs, but severe damage will prevent you from updating.
How do I find my Apple Card number?
Launch the Wallet app on your iPhone to access your Apple Card and select it. Tap the More icon at the top right of the screen to move to Card Information next. After that, you can use your iPhone passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID to confirm who you are.
Does Apple have a free iPhone Upgrade Program?
Apple does not have a free iPhone upgrade program. Instead, customers may buy iPhones at 0% interest over two years. You can upgrade to a new iPhone once you have paid 12 payments. AppleCare+ coverage and the device are not free.
What is pre-approval for the iPhone Upgrade Program?
Pre-approval allows you to get finance approval under the iPhone upgrade program even before a new iPhone hits the market. This way, you’ll have the chance to order the new iPhone sooner once it’s available.
