iPhone Upgrade Program guide – how to get an iPhone 11 and every new model each year
ALWAYS want the latest iPhone, but can't afford to splash loads of cash on the new model? Try the iPhone Upgrade Programme.
It's Apple's easy solution for people who want to upgrade to a new iPhone every year, but don't want to be tied into network contracts (or pay outright). Here's a simple guide to how it all works.
Apple Upgrade Programme explained – what is it?
The Apple Upgrade Programme was first launched in the UK back in 2016.
It's designed as an alternative for people who don't want to buy their phone outright, or on contract from phone networks.
It's also great for people who want to upgrade to the latest iPhone model each year – as many die-hard Apple fans often do.
You get the phone on a pay-monthly basis, and will be able to get the new iPhone model when it's announced each September.
Apple Upgrade Programme – what's the deal?
The Apple Upgrade Programme is basically a finance package.
You spread the cost of an iPhone through monthly payments, upgrading your model after every 12 payments (or a year, assuming you don't miss a bill).
The deal also includes an AppleCare+ membership, which is tacked onto the Upgrade Programme at full cost.
You'll pay full price for the iPhone too, but the finance package is zero interest – so you're not paying additional interest fees over time.
You're actually signing up to a 0% APR loan with Barclays, all behind the scenes.
When you hand back your iPhone at the end of the 12 months, you're effectively settling the overall debt – allowing you to upgrade.
If you never upgrade, then you'll have to pay out for a total of 20 months before you actually own the phone.
Apple Upgrade Programme price – how much does it cost?
There's no available pricing for Apple's 2019 roster of iPhones – because they haven't been announced yet.
But here's how much you'll pay for current iPhones on the Upgrade Programme:
- iPhone 11 – £40.45 per month
- iPhone 11 Pro – £58.95 per month
- iPhone 11 Pro Max – £63.95 per month
We'll update this article once we have Apple Upgrade Programme pricing for the rumoured iPhone 9 and iPhone XS.
Apple Upgrade Programme contract – do you get data, call minutes or texts?
The simple answer is no.
Apple doesn't include any call minutes, texts or internet data with the Upgrade Programme.
That means you'll have to buy a SIM separately, and either top it up on a Pay-As-You-Go basis, or find a SIM-only tariff.
The good news is that Apple Upgrade Programme iPhones come unlocked in the UK, so you can insert a SIM card from any network.
Apple Upgrade Programme – AppleCare+ explained
The Upgrade Programme comes bundled with AppleCare+ as standard, which will save you some serious cash if you damage your device.
It means you'll get two years of hardware repairs, software support, and coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage.
Each incident is subject to an excess fee, which is a pretty reasonable £25 for screen replacement.
Any other damage will cost you £79 in excess.
Apple normally charges a lot of money for AppleCare+, so having it bundled in with the Upgrade Programme is useful.
Apple Upgrade Programme – how to get it, and what you need
The only way to sign up to the iPhone Upgrade Programme is at an official Apple Store in the UK, USA or China.
You'll need to be ready to hand over personal information, including:
- Date of birth
- Employment details
- UK addresses from the last three years (for a credit check)
- Bank account number
- Bank sort code
You'll also need to bring a valid photo ID (like a passport or UK driving licence), as well as your debit card.
Finally, you'll need to bring your current mobile phone. If you're upgrading from another iPhone, back up your data to your computer or iCloud first.
It's also worth jotting down your Apple ID.
MOST READ IN TECH
Check out our hands-on review of the iPhone 11 Pro.
Already got an iPhone? Check out the best iPhone apps here.
And here are 10 easy tips to boost your phone's battery life.
Will you be upgrading to a brand new iPhone this year? If so, let us know in the comments!
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