Roger Fingas
Apple on Wednesday announced a revised pricing structure for iPhones, including the all-new iPhone Upgrade Program, a first-party retail plan that will let shoppers get a new iPhone every year.
Prices for the upgrade program will start at $32 a month, and will include unlocked phones with a user's choice of carrier. Each phone will also be covered under AppleCare+, Apple's most comprehensive warranty program.
For people wanting to get an iPhone through a regular carrier lease program, prices will start at $19 for an iPhone 5s, $23 for an iPhone 6, or $27 for an iPhone 6 Plus. Apple's latest models, the 6s and 6s Plus, will begin at $27 and $31 a month.
On a two-year contract, entry prices for the same devices will run from zero dollars for the iPhone 5s to $299 for a 6s Plus.
Preorders for the 6s and 6s Plus will open up this Saturday, Sept. 12. The products will be officially released on Friday, Sept. 25.
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38 Comments
Definitely not a good deal for me, but I suspect this will help sell more of them than it otherwise might have. Makes things convenient. I wonder if Apple will be selling refurb iPhones through the online store next year with all the trade ins?
Just wonder if I need to trade in my old in order to get the new one. If so, I don't think it is a good deal. Otherwise, I might give a try :)
A carrier here in Australia has had a similar deal for some time. It's a standard 2-year contract but after one year you get a brand new iPhone. The AppleCare+ being included is new though.
[quote name="aircm1982" url="/t/188116/apple-unveils-annual-iphone-upgrade-program-updates-standard-iphone-price-structures#post_2773017"]Just wonder if I need to trade in my old in order to get the new one. If so, I don't think it is a good deal. Otherwise, I might give a try :)[/quote] Yes, and the wording makes me think you restart the 24 month contract if you do as well — which I think means you'd have to keep the same phone for two years to own it. I think. The marketing! "After 12 installments, you can get a new iPhone and start a new iPhone Upgrade Program. No more waiting for your carrier contract to end. Just trade in your current iPhone for a new one, and your new program begins." From: http://www.apple.com/shop/iphone/iphone-upgrade-program
The AppleCare incident charge has now gone up from $79 to $99