iPhone Upgrade Program: Everything You Need to Know
We’re now just a few days away from the September 9 launch of the iPhone 16 series, and these are undoubtedly going to be very expensive phones. But if you’re a member of the iPhone Upgrade Programthen you could get one ‘for free’.
Of course, almost nothing in life is free, especially smartphones, but at the very least you don’t have to spend any more than you already do.
Below, we’ll explain exactly what the iPhone Upgrade Program is, how it works, and whether you can use it to get an iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, or iPhone 16 Pro Max without spending a cent extra.
What is the iPhone Upgrade Program?
The iPhone Upgrade Program is a contract, similar to purchasing an iPhone from a carrier, but offered directly by Apple.
You simply choose your iPhone and pay it off over 20 months (in the UK) or 24 months (in the US) with 0% interest. If you’re a UK customer, you’ll pay £69 upfront though.
However, once you’ve made 11 payments (in the UK) or 12 payments (in the US), you’ll have the option to upgrade to a new iPhone. If you choose to do so, you simply trade in your current iPhone to Apple and start the program over with your new one.
If you decide not to upgrade, you can simply continue paying off your current iPhone and keep it at the end of the contract.
Which countries have the iPhone Upgrade Program?
The iPhone Upgrade Program is available in the US, UK, and China.
However, the details of it, such as the cost and the duration of the program, vary slightly from place to place. So where things differ, we’ve noted the different terms in the US and the UK.
Which iPhones can you upgrade to as part of the program?
Currently, you can only get iPhone 15 models through the iPhone Upgrade Program. That includes the iPhone 15 itself, the iPhone 15 Plus, the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. So if you’re in the market for an older or cheaper model, this program isn’t for you.
Once the iPhone 16 line launches, we expect the iPhone 15 line to be replaced here by the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. So yes, you should be able to get Apple’s so-new-they’re-not-even-announced iPhones through the Upgrade Program.
Of course, the monthly cost you’ll pay will vary depending on the model and storage capacity. We don’t know the pricing for the iPhone 16 line yet, but as an example, the iPhone 15 starts at $39.50 / £42.95 per month on this program, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at $58.25 / £65.45 per month.
Can you pre-order an iPhone 16 through the iPhone Upgrade Program?
Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 aren’t open yet, but when they do (and based on past orders, we’re predicting it will happen on Friday, September 13), there’s a good chance you’ll be able to pre-order one of Apple’s new phones through the iPhone Upgrade Program, just as you could with previous models.
What else do you get with the iPhone Upgrade Program?
In addition to the option of a new iPhone, you also receive AppleCare+ as part of the iPhone Upgrade Program.
This offers protection against accidental damage. This means that you can have your iPhone repaired an unlimited number of times for free (minus the deductible) if it is accidentally damaged.
With AppleCare+, you’ll also get battery service, access to an Express Replacement Service, and 24/7 priority access to Apple experts.
Optionally, you can also add theft and loss insurance, but this will incur additional costs.
How do I sign up for the iPhone Upgrade Program?
In the US, you can sign up for the iPhone Upgrade Program online, in an Apple Store, or through the Apple Store app. In the UK, you can only sign up at a physical Apple Store, though there is the option to reserve an iPhone online for in-store pickup , and then sign up when you pick it up.
Other Things to Note About the iPhone Upgrade Program
When you get a new iPhone through the iPhone Upgrade Program, you can connect it to your current carrier without affecting your plan. Your contract is only with Apple, not with a carrier.
When you apply for the iPhone Upgrade Program, Apple will perform a credit check. Depending on your creditworthiness, there is a chance that your application will be denied.
You must pay a certain amount before you are eligible for an upgrade, but you can also upgrade early by paying the remaining amount immediately at the time of the upgrade.