If you’re eager to buy an iPhone 12 but are already tracking rumors about the iPhone 13, you might be a good fit for Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program. You may upgrade your existing phone for the newest model each year with the program.
Is iPhone Upgrade Program worth it?
The iPhone Upgrade Program, rather than paying the total value upfront or on a monthly basis to acquire a particular phone after two years, allows you to swap your old phone for a new model. You’ll have to pay a membership fee for 12 months in order to take advantage of that privilege, of course.
At this point in the year, it might make the most sense to make do with your current phone for a few more months and jump into the iPhone Upgrade Program in September when we expect to see the iPhone 13. That way, you’ll be eligible to upgrade each year in September when Apple usually releases its latest iPhones.
It makes sense to keep your current phone for a few more months before switching to the iPhone Upgrade Program in September, when we anticipate Apple will release its next iPhone. This way, each year you will be able to switch your iPhone for the next model.
How does iPhone Upgrade Program work?
Let’s say you buy an iPhone with a 24 monthly payment schedule. However, you’re entitled to a free upgrade after making half of those payments. After 12 months, you may exchange your old phone for a newer model. The clock starts again on the 24-month payment schedule and the chance to upgrade after making 12 payments.
Why buy from Apple instead of a carrier?
Apple promotes the program by offering coverage through the iPhone Upgrade Program for an additional discount. The Apple Care Plus plan is Apple’s insurance and extended warranty program, which normally costs $7.99 a month for the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini or $9.99 a month for the iPhone 12 Pro or Pro Max. If you join Apple Upgrade Program AppleCare Plus will cost you $6.21 monthly.
AppleCare Plus extends the standard one-year warranty to two years, but it isn’t as important if you’ll be trading in your phone after a year. Accidental damage coverage is where AppleCare Plus shines. You’re entitled to two accident claims, each of which costs $99 and comes with the ability to get your phone replaced. For $29 per incident, you’ll also be able to replace a cracked screen or two. With AppleCare Plus, you get additional phone assistance for two more years instead of the usual 90 days.
How much iPhone Upgrade Program cost monthly?
The pricing is as follows:
iPhone 13 Mini:
- 128GB – from $35.33
- 256GB – from $39.50
- 512GB – from $47.83
- 128GB from $39.50
- 256GB from $43.66
- 512GB from $52.00
iPhone 13 Pro:
- 128GB from $49.91
- 256GB from $54.08
- 512GB from $62.41
- 1TB from $70.75
- 128GB from $54.08
- 256GB from $58.25
- 512GB from $66.58
- 1TB from $74.91
AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss
If you’re more concerned about dropping or damaging your phone than you are about losing it or having it stolen, AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss coverage might be a good option for you. It adds $4.16 to your monthly Upgrade Program bill and allows you to pay a deductible rather than the full replacement cost if your phone is lost or stolen.
How do I pay?
To join, you’ll need a credit card in the United States. Apple utilizes Citizens Bank for the installment loan in the United States, and a valid, US-issued credit card is required to be eligible.
iPhone Upgrade Program age limit
Those who are under 18 are not eligible for iPhone Upgrade Program.
How do I trade in my current phone?
You may exchange it at an Apple Store, but you can also purchase from the Apple Store app or online store. When you buy a new iPhone from Apple, it will come with a trade-in kit so you can pack up your phone and send it back to Apple. You must return it to Apple within 14 days.
What if my current iPhone is damaged?
“Your Financed iPhone must be in good physical and operational condition, as determined solely by Apple or Apple’s trade-in service provider”
- Your iPhone should be able to power on and hold a charge.
- It needs to have a functioning display.
- It shouldn’t have any breaks.
What if you haven’t made 12 payments on your current phone?
If you’ve already made at least six monthly payments on your current phone, you may pay the remainder of your present balance and obtain a new iPhone in just 12 months.
Do I have to upgrade?
If you’re satisfied with your current phone, you are not required to upgrade. You may continue to use it and pay it off after 24 months, at which point you’ll be free of payment obligations. You can either keep using it and paying the debt off afterward or sell it to help finance the purchase of a new phone when you’re ready.
How to join iPhone Upgrade Program?
If you want to join the program visit Apple’s website.
