Patrick Holland / Crumpe
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If you are ready to dive for a iPhone 12 but are already following iPhone 13 rumors, then you might be a good candidate for Apple’s iPhone upgrade program. With it, you can upgrade your current phone to the latest model every year.
Essentially, this is the “iPhone as a Service” plan: instead of paying the full value up front or monthly payments to own a particular phone after two years, the iPhone upgrade program lets you allows you to exchange your current phone for a new model after 12 months. Payments. Of course, for this privilege you pay a subscription fee for the foreseeable future.
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At this point in the year, it may make more sense to stick 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 every year in September, when Apple typically releases its latest iPhones.
How does the iPhone upgrade program work?
You buy an Apple iPhone – at an Apple Store in person, Apple Online Store or the Apple Store app – and agree to refund it over 24 months. But after you’ve made half of those payments, you’re eligible for a free upgrade. After 12 months, you can trade in your current phone for a new model. The clock restarts on 24 months of payments and upgrade eligibility after completing 12 of them.
Check this out:
IPhone 12 Pro Max review: filled to the brim
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Why buy from Apple instead of a carrier?
Apple is sweetening the deal by including its AppleCare Plus coverage at a slight discount with the iPhone upgrade program. AppleCare Plus is the company’s insurance and extended warranty program that would otherwise cost $ 7.99 per month for the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini or $ 9.99 per month for the iPhone 12 Pro or Pro Max. With the Apple Upgrade Program, you pay $ 6.21 per month for AppleCare Plus instead of $ 7.99 per month with the iPhone 12 or 12 Mini.
AppleCare Plus doubles the standard warranty from one year to two years, but that’s less of a concern if you plan to trade in your phone after the first year. The real value of AppleCare Plus is getting accidental damage protection. You receive two accident claims that will replace your phone (each costs $ 99, but it’s cheaper than buying a new phone). You’ll also be able to replace a cracked screen or two for $ 29 per incident. Phone support is also extended to two years with AppleCare Plus, up from 90 days standard.
How much does it cost?
The price ranges from $ 35.33 per month for the 64GB iPhone 12 to $ 66.58 per month for the 512GB iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Screenshot by Matt Elliott / Crumpe
What about AppleCare Plus with theft and loss?
If you’re less worried about dropping or damaging your phone, and more worried about losing or stealing it, you can pay a little more per month to upgrade to AppleCare Plus with theft and loss protection. It adds $ 4.16 to your monthly upgrade program bill and allows you to pay a small deductible to replace a lost or stolen phone rather than the full cost of the replacement.
How do I pay?
You will need a credit card to register, at least in the United States. In the US, Apple uses Citizens Bank for installment loan and requires a valid US-issued credit card to be eligible.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Sorry kids, you must be 18 to apply. (And given the prices of the new Pro models, I hope you start to be kinder to your parents.)
How do I exchange my current phone?
You can bring it to an Apple Store and redeem there, but you can also save the trip and purchase it from the Apple online store or the Apple Store app. When you order an iPhone online from Apple, it arrives with a trade-in kit so you can package your suddenly obsolete phone and ship it back to Apple. You must return it to Apple within 14 days.
Read more: The best ways to sell or trade in your old iPhone in 2021
What if my current iPhone is broken?
According to Apple, your current iPhone must be in “good physical and operational condition”. This means that it should:
- Be able to light and maintain a charge
- Have an intact and functional screen
I haven’t made 12 payments on my current phone yet – can I still upgrade?
Yes, but it will cost you. If you’ve made six or more monthly payments on your current phone, you can pay the difference between your current balance and the total of 12 payments to jump right on the clock and get a new iPhone.
Do I need to upgrade?
Not at all! You don’t have to upgrade. If you are happy with your current phone, you can continue to use it and continue to pay it off. After 24 months, you’ll have paid for it and can continue using it without the monthly payment, or you can turn around and sell it to help fund the cost of a new phone when you’re ready.
Originally published three years ago. Updated with information on the latest iPhone models.
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