What is the Apple Upgrade Program? (all you must know)

What is the Apple Upgrade Program? (all you must know)

If you have an older Apple device, you may be considering purchasing a new device to take advantage of the new system update. Maybe you’ve considered using the Apple Upgrade Program. If so, you might be wondering: what is the Apple Upgrade Program and how does it work?

Well, I’ve been researching the Apple Upgrade Program and will answer all your questions below, so read on to find out what I’ve found on the subject!

What is the Apple Upgrade Program?

The Apple Upgrade Program allows you to upgrade to a new iPhone every year after making 12 payments. First, you’ll need to check your eligibility, then select your new iPhone, choose the AppleCare coverage you want, and send your old iPhone back in a prepaid envelope when your new phone arrives in 2022.

Read on for more facts, including how to qualify for the iPhone Upgrade Program, how the upgrade system works, and other helpful information!

How do you qualify for the iPhone Upgrade Program?

To qualify for the iPhone Upgrade Program, you need to meet the following eligibility requirements, including:

• 12 installments on your device (approximately a year’s worth of payments)
• You need to have an account in good standing
• Maintain your AppleCare+ plan with your iPhone
• Your phone must be in good condition and working as required by Apple or your trade-in service provider
• You must complete any service or repair through an Apple Authorized Provider, Apple Store, or AppleCare+ Lost and Theft Program
• You must join the iPhone Upgrade Program and agree to a new installment loan before the installment loan expires
• You will need to trade in old equipment
• You must deactivate activation lock
• If you upgrade online, you will also need to remove your SIM card

How does the Apple upgrade system work?

Apple’s upgrade system works by first buying an iPhone from Apple, whether in-store, online, or through an app.

After that, agree to a 24-month installment plan and enter the Apple Upgrade Program after owning the iPhone for six months.

Also, once you’re eligible to buy a new phone 12 months after paying your bill, you’ll swap out your old phone, buy a new iPhone, and sign up for a new installment plan with Apple.

What are the benefits of the Apple Upgrade Program?

The biggest benefit of the Apple Upgrade Program is that it allows you to replace your old iPhone once a year and get the latest iPhone for at least half the price of your old device.

By contrast, if you just trade in an old iPhone without participating in the program, you’re not going to get anywhere near the same value because the phone depreciates quickly.

Plus, you get AppleCare+ coverage, which means you’ll get additional coverage and two accidental damage claims per year.

That being said, you’ll have to sign a new installment agreement when you upgrade, which means you’ll start paying again instead of just using a device that’s almost paid off.

Does the iPhone Upgrade Program cost more?

The iPhone Upgrade Program doesn’t cost more, it’s about the same as buying the device outright. Fortunately, you don’t have to pay any additional taxes or fees.

How often should you upgrade your iPhone?

How often you should upgrade your iPhone depends on how much and how you use it, and how familiar you are with the latest technology and features.

For example, if you like to be the first to try new features, services, and technologies, annual upgrades aren’t a bad idea, especially if you’re using your phone all the time.

However, if you’re someone who doesn’t use your phone a lot and doesn’t care about the latest features, an upgrade every two to five years should be enough.

Does the Apple Upgrade Program affect credit?

Apple’s upgrade program can affect credit because Apple checks your credit before you’re eligible and approved for a new installment plan, which can be a tough ask.

So if you’re concerned about your credit report inquiries being too many, don’t upgrade every year, as it will slightly lower your score.

Can you do the iPhone Upgrade Program without a carrier?

Every time you enroll in the iPhone Upgrade Program, you can choose your carrier, which means you can switch from one carrier to another without any additional fees or charges.

To learn more, you can also read our post on Apple Cash, AppleCare, and Apple Pay.

in conclusion

Apple’s Upgrade Program allows you to trade in your iPhone for a new one once a year, provided you’ve made 12 payments and been enrolled in the program for six months.

However, when you upgrade, you need to trade in the old device and get approved and sign up for a new installment plan with the new iPhone, which means your credit will be checked.