Not content with its usual opening up of pre-orders before the new iPhones go on sale, Apple has this year added pre-pre-order functionality to both website and Apple Store app in the US.
Under a link labelled ‘Get ready for pre-order,’ Apple allows you to enter your account details (phone number, zip code and last four digits of social security number) to find out exactly what your upgrade will cost you. Once pre-orders go live, you should then be able to simply select your model, color, storage and any accessories before completing check-out.
For those who want to upgrade every year, Apple yesterday announced a new iPhone Upgrade Program, providing a new, unlocked iPhone with AppleCare+ from $32/month.
Pre-orders go live at 00:01 PDT/03:01 EDT on Saturday.
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It doesn’t give me accurate upgrade information. I am on AT&T and when I do the “apple check” of upgrade, the only option it gives me is “AT&T Next”. When I go to the actual AT&T website, it shows the “NEXT” price and the “2 Year Commitment upgrade” price. So, not sure I want to order from Apple if this could be a stumbling block at 00:01 9/12/15.
Jim, a few months ago AT&T announced it was phasing out 2 year contracts and the only way you would be able to get a 2 year contract with AT&T would be either to order the phone directly through their website, or to visit an AT&T store. That option is no longer available through external retailers such as Apple, Best Buy, etc. The NEXT program is the only option that external retailers are allowed to offer now due to AT&T’s new rules. Call and check with AT&T, but this is why you’re not seeing that option through Apple.
ATT Still has the 2 year with the discount – you just have to call them up and ask; I’ve been upgrading every year since 2007 – once you upgrade , they will unlock the old one, sell it overseas at the same price you bought the new one;
I just did online customer chat with AT&T and was told:
Victra: i’m trying to figure out before pre-order time. reading conflicting info online.
Sergio G: I’m really sorry to tell you that the 2 year contract option will be not available.
Victra: ok, so the only options will be pay full price, or the Next installment plan?
Sergio G: That’s correct!
When I logged onto my AT&T account to check Upgrade Eligibility, it shows that I can “Upgrade with a 2-year service agreement” but it didn’t show any pricing info for the iPhone 6S, only subsidized prices for iPhone 6 and prior.
It won’t show pricing for the 6s or 6s Plus until they become available on Sep 12 …
Interesting that the Apple Store app only gives 2-year contract pricing when the website shows full and 2-year, at least for a Verizon account not currently under contract.
@Jim Myers via Apple you can can only purchase with AT&T Next. To do the 2-year you’ll have to go directly through AT&T. They started that with the 6.
At launch or after? I 100% sure I bought my iPhone 6 at launch with a 2-year contract on the Apple Store app.
I dont see the ‘Remember Me’ option on the Apple Store App. Anyone else seeing it?
I don’t see it either and it’s really passing me off
Boo!
This just prioritizes people on 3 of the carriers who are exercising upgrades. But if you are buying with cash outside of the carrier upgrade plan, or have T-mobile, you don’t get to have 1 button push – and that’s going to put a whammy on you – since Apple’s website will usually be down for hours, as people ordering through the app still get their orders placed – now ahead of you.
Apple did it to me last year – looks like nothing has changed.
Last year Apple’s website was unreachable for hours while people using the App got there orders through – and ahead of us in line….
And looks like Apple has changed nothing…
So if you need to order via the website, because you don’t have an existing account, use an MVNO, or are a T-mobile customer – then you are going to be waiting for hours, while everyone using this single button click goes ahead of you.
Boo! Apple, you’ve learned nothing.
I don’t understand why you have to go in the store to sign up for the Upgrade Program. When you make a reservation online at 12:01 9/12 is that also pre-ordering a phone?