I have owned every iPhone to date and purchased the 3GS last year, DAY ONE. As of June 19th, my contract will be one year old. Yet, I am not eligible for even the early upgrade price. AT&T says I will be eligible 2/11. But Apple says I'm eligible in December 2010. That's one issue I'm having. Why the difference? And why are so many iPhone 3GS owners eligible when the majority of them renewed their contracts the same time I did, so most contracts are no older than mine. I don't understand why some people's dates have been pushed back and other haven't been. I understand that those eligible for upgrade in 2010 had their dates pushed ahead 6 months, but WHY were they eligible in 2010? If they renewed their 2 year contract for the 3GS, why were they eligible in 2010 to begin with? I don't understand why "Account Holder A" buys a 3GS in June of 2009 and is eligible for upgrade this month, but "Account Holder B" whom also bought a 3GS in June 2009, but can't upgrade to the iPhone 4. why?
Finally, I'm trying to figure out how to get around things. Please advise. If I cancel my contract and pay the ~$100 ETF ($175-5 per month), a few people have said AT&T will not let me open another account for 6-12 months. Is this always the case? Second option, what if I add another line and get the iPhone at a subsidized line, then cancel the first line and pay the ETF. This would work, right? I'd only lose my number? Third, most legitimate option. I was thinking about adding a line for my brother. He's dying to get an iPhone 4. If I added a line and selected a family plan, shouldn't this give me "VIP status?" I have read that those with VIP status have had their upgrade eligibility pushed forward. If I went to AT&T on preorder day and opened his line first and bought the subsidized iPhone 4, chose a family plan, would I immediately be upgrade eligible on the original line? This way I could buy my iPhone 4 at the discounted price as well?
Bought new 3gs last xmas and have an eligibility date of may of 2011. If I early upgrade, do I get the full subsidized price next May or does the K start all over?
I'm trying to decide if I should up my monthly plan for the next few months in hopes that I'll be eligible for the next iPhone upgrade at the full discount. Last year, I was eligible for the full upgrade on launch day (after AT&T revised the dates). However, when I check my eligibility now by dialing *639#, it says I'm not eligible until 11/20/2010. I lowered my rate plan this past year and also now get a discount on the rate plan and data plan. So, I'm trying to determine if the lowered plan with discount is what's causing the 17-month upgrade eligibility instead of last year's 12-month.
So, what's your eligibility date? Does anyone have a 12-month eligibility and upgraded last year on launch day?
I think I may be SOL... My brother had the iPhone 3GS and was eligible for the full upgrade pricing on the iPhone 4 - so he preordered his no problem. I wanted the white one so I was going to wait until it became available, but until then I was just going to use my brother's old 3GS temporarily until the white iPhone 4 became available. We wanted to open up a family plan cause it'd be cheaper, might as well save some cash asap, ya know?
I chatted online and in store with an ATT rep to make sure that if we went this route, I would still be able to get the white iPhone 4 at the full subsidy, when it became available. I didn't want to use his 3GS forever. Both responses were "Yes, 100%. You can get the best price on the iPhone 4 whenever you like, since you'll be bringing your own hardware." Which is what I figured, since that was the whole point of a 2 yr contract - subsidized phone for 2 yr service.
Just checked my upgrade eligibility online and says I'm not eligible until 06/2012! I called Customer Care and was told there was nothing they could do. I even saved my conversation with the ATT rep online in case something like this happened. I was instructed to go to the ATT store where we opened up the line and either "Return my handset" or just cancel my line completely. I was furious! Return my handset? WHY?! I already own it! Then I get the generic response of "I'm sorry sir, there's nothing else I can do."
Is there anything else I can do? I almost feel like I've been scammed out of $400?
I am planning on switching to AT&T when the next-gen iPhone comes out and was wondering how does upgrading work on AT&T? Is it usually 12 months into the contract when you are eligible to upgrade or do you have to wait the entire 24 months before you are eligible for upgrade pricing?
For future reference, please refer to the guide here at iPhone Upgrade Guide. This thread will still be updated for your convenience.
This is for those that have questions about the Upgrade Process for the iPhone on AT&T Wireless. Please put all questions and answers here.
1. Can I use someone else's upgrade? Yes, AT&T will allow you to upgrade any line to receive a new phone. You can then activate that phone on any phone line you like. Apple is able to do this at their stores also, but will take a bit more time since they have to call AT&T first.
2. What about the eligibility dates for using someone else's upgrade? They renew the other person's contract (upgrade), but the iPhone will be activated on your line.
3. What is the pricing structure? Those that are eligible for upgrade or new contracts can buy the iPhone 4 at 199/299 at capacities of 16GB and 32GB, respectively. Early upgrade, which is AT&T allowing you to upgrade at a higher price point because you are not eligible for the best pricing, can purchase the iPhone at 399/499. No-commitment price is 599/699, but a voice and data plan are still required. The entry level iPhone is the 8GB 3GS, which is 99 for upgrade eligible and new customers, 299 for early upgrade, and 499 for no commitment. The 16GB and 32GB 3GS will still be available in store while supplies last.
4. How do I check my upgrade status? Press *639# (*NEW#) on your phone and send it. Your upgrade status will show shortly. Call AT&T Customer Service and ask. Login to your account online and click "Check Upgrade Options."
5. Do I need to bring in my old phone or my sim card to the store? No, the new iPhone will come with a sim card pre-installed. You just need yourself, ID, and payment (preferably a credit/debit card).
6. What about this new microsim that is in the new iPhone? It is basically the same sim you have right now, just smaller. You keep the same number you have currently, unless you are opening a new line. The new microsim will have your current account information updated when the iPhone is activated.
7. Does my name need to be on the contract if I plan on going without the account holder to upgrade? No, you just need the account holder to add you as an authorized user. You also have to be over 18 because you will have to sign the new contract from the upgrade since it is legally-binding. In the past, some Apple stores have not allowed Authorized Contacts to perform the upgrade. But in other cases, they were able to perform the upgrade by providing the last 4 digits of the SSN of the primary account holder. But, it seems like it is different from store to store. However, if you go to an AT&T Corporate Store, you'll be fine as the authorized user.
8. How about corporate discounts? It would be best to head into an AT&T Corporate Store to do this. They have the resources and information to correctly process your discounts. Apple stores do not have the resources to do this. Many users have experienced the problem of having their discounts removed last year, myself included. While it is possible to have the discount re-added after upgrading at Apple, it would be much more convenient to not go through this and just head to an AT&T store.
9. When should I cancel my FAN discount to ensure a smooth process at Apple stores? You can do it anytime up until you purchase the iPhone.
10. What is the iPhone process at AT&T versus Apple Stores? There is relatively little difference between both buying experiences. However, for preorders, AT&T guarantees your phone with your name reserved for it. Apple, on the other hand, just guarantees you a phone for that day only, the day after, the iPhone is up for grabs again. The only difference that is clear is that Apple generally has much much more stock of iPhones than AT&T.
It is known that in the past, AT&T has offered freebies like accessories and even the waiver of activation fees compared to nothing, but maybe T-Shirts or free coffee/food at Apple lines.
11.What is a FAN? Foundation Account Number. Think of it like a group discount for organizations that subscribe to the service.
I have an Individual Responsible FAN - meaning I pay for my own line, but I get a 15% discount on the service. There are also Corporate Responsible FANs, where the company pays for the phones.
12. My upgrade date, sent to me in a message from *639# on my device, is XX/XX/XXXX, can I qualify for an upgrade? AT&T has given its customers a special upgrade option to those that are eligible for up to six months (up to December 2010) from the launch date of June 24. These customers are automatically bumped up and are given the option to upgrade at the 199/299 price. Those that are not eligible can purchase iPhone 4 at the early upgrade price of 399/499.
13. A full discount on a standard handset or iPhone upgrade is not available at this time but you may qualify on XX/XX/XXXX. We can offer you a discounted iPhone upgrade at a higher price with a 2-yr commitment and an $18 upgrade fee. Please visit a participating iPhone sales location for pricing on this offer. What does this mean? That's an early upgrade, which means you pay a bit more than the new customer/eligible people, but less than unsubsidized. That price is 399/499 for the 16GB and 32GB models, respectively. If XXXX is 2010, then you can pay the 199/299 price.
14. How will the new data plans affect me? The new plans will lower the cost of an entry-level voice and data plan for smartphones by $15, to $54.99. Existing users will have the option of sticking with their current plans indefinitely, even if they switch phones.
15. When I upgrade, does it add 2 years to my contract or reset? When you upgrade, your account will reset to two years from that date, not add another two years in addition to what you are left with currently.
16. When can I purchase iPhone 4? Preorders begin June 15. The release of the iPhone will take place on June 24. Those that preorder online have the option of either picking it up in store or having the device shipped to your home or business as early as June 24. Store opening times will be released as the launch date approaches.
17. How many devices can I preorder? AT&T and Apple stores will sell one iPhone 4 per person for new customers, and one device per household for new orders placed online. Existing customers may purchase one per eligible telephone number online or through our stores.
18. How do I activate my device? Customers who order their device through AT&T or Apple and have it shipped directly to their home should follow the instructions included with the shipment. If you’re picking up your device in an AT&T or Apple store, we’ll help you activate it before you leave. Customers performing an exchange for iPhone 4 must activate in an AT&T store.
19. Will my credit card be charged if I preorder? At the point your order is placed, we will authorize the funds to cover your purchase. However, your credit card will not be charged until the order is shipped. Remember to use a credit card as debit cards cannot be used to preorder.
20. When and where can I pickup my preordered device? As always, a pick up date depends on when you preorder and on our available inventory. That said, this year we’re encouraging customers to have devices shipped directly to their home or business – the fastest and most convenient delivery option. Customers can also opt to pick up their preorder at an AT&T or Apple store. Customers performing an exchange for iPhone 4 must have their device shipped to an AT&T store.
21. Can I use a debit card at AT&T to preorder? According to AT&T's press release, customers who want to preorder should use a credit card as debit cards are not allowed to preorder.
AT&T Upgrade Policy Path
First of all, it's not your TOTAL bill that counts to ATT (so many people have family lines...that's why people complain their bills are over $200 but their lines don't qualify).
It's YOUR PRIMARY line that gets you the early 12 month upgrades if you spend more than $100 on voice/data (they exclude text). The secondary lines won't be eligible for upgrades until around month 18, or 21 depending on how much revenue the secondary lines generate (most people have to wait till Feb 2011, assuming they purchased the 3GS in June 2009. I believe you have to spend more than $60 each on your secondary lines if you want it eligible for an upgrade every 18 months. But most people are $10 for extra line plus $30 for data=$40= waiting till Feb 2011 for upgrade.
If you are a single plan only and meet certain plan requirement, ATT is doing you a big favor by moving up your upgrades by up to 6 months earlier.
Here are some examples:
Family Plan 89.99 ($80 for first line plus 9.99 for second line) Plus $30 data for each line Line 1. Purchased iPhone 3GS June 2009=eligible for full subsidy upgrade June 2010 Line 2. Purchased iPhone 3GS June 2009=not eligible for full subsidy upgrade until Feb 2011 Line 3. Purchased iPhone 3GS June 2009=not eligible for full subsidy upgrade until Feb 2011
Single line plan (59.99) plan plus $30 data= Purchased iPhone 3GS in June 2009. Normally you would be eligible for full upgrade in Dec 2010 (18 months) but ATT has been kind to let you upgrade 6 months early so now you are fully eligible.
Single line Plan 39.99 plus $30 for data. Purchased iPhone 3GS in June 2009. You won't be eligible until Feb 2011
Single Line Plan 39.99 plus $30 data. Purchased iPhone 3G in April 2009. Normally they won't be eligible for full subidy upgrade till Dec 2010 but ATT is being kind and moving your full subsidy upgrade to NOW for the new iPhone 4.
So those who are within that 6 months of becoming eligible (eligibility up till Dec 2010) are getting benefits of ATT's early full subsidy they made just for the iPhone.
I have searched and I see plenty of threads on checking eligibility online via AT&T.com but I can't seem to find on the site where to get detailed info.
For example, I log in, select the line I want to check eligibility for, then it brings me to phone selections. On the line that is eligible the phones are discounted, on the line that isn't they show full retail price. However that's NOT what I am after. I want detailed info on my upgrade status, not just to base it on if a phone is discounted.
I can't call 639 because I no longer have my iphone.
I'm already planning on using another users upgrade eligibility but I wanted specific dates and info on my upgrade status for future reference (new Iphone next year)
Can anyone who has returned their iphone tell me how long it too them to get their upgrade eligibility back? also, could you tell me whether you called att to do it.
Apple received my iphone yesterday morning, and att refuses to give me my upgrade back for 72 hours, and I keep getting different answers on whether everything is right or not. My contract date is back to normal and my upgrade fee has been given back to me.
So currently At&t will charge you $325 if you cancel you contract after 30 days however if I read correctly, you can cancel you contact before the 30 days and not get charged at all? But of course you would still need to pay for that month off service..You can check this out by clicking 'terms of service' http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/ar...less-terms.jsp
Now I understand that the main argument is that it would free up some traffic for the 24th when people were activating through Itunes, but I've heard from several Iphone 4 early owners that the activation process was just as slow as the times when the 3GS came out. And at the same time, would releasing maybe 15%-20% of the phones early, free up that much traffic for launch day.
I've also heard the conspiracy theory from Addictive Tips, which doesn't hold much water. http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=947533 What do you think the reason was that led Apple to release the phone up to two days before the actual launch date?
I have had issues with my sleep/wake button and as my phone was eligible under the program I requested the apple store (India-Bangalore) to replace my phone. Firstly this is not the first time I have faced this problem i.e. I have already replaced my iphone once which also had the sleep button problem. After diagnosis the technician did agree that the sleep button did not work at times, but as the phone was not covered under warranty, I have to pay to get my phone replaced. The reason given for paid replacement given was because of dents to the exterior. However, the major dent is only at the bottom of the phone and not near the sleep/wake button.
I just spent an hour speaking with AT&T "Customer Service" and was appalled that they will neither waive early termination fees ("ETFs") nor unlock iPhones for customers moving to foreign countries. Although they have never been willing to unlock iPhones, they used to waive ETFs until a discreet policy change around January 2010. If you make the company whole for their iPhone subsidy by paying an ETF, how is it fair to leave you with a locked device that is useless outside AT&T's network?
Does anybody have tips for getting around this? They will not even let you switch to a prepaid plan or suspend your account for more than 6 months if you want to keep your phone number. The only option is to transfer your contract liability to someone else who is willing to accept it, which is an unlikely and generally useless option.
After the clocks went forward again on Sunday morning my iPhone has yet again succumb to the bug of the hour delay in alarms. Has anyone else had this recentley happen again or is it just me? Also has anyone figured out a working fix for it
I purchased an iphone 4S on AT&T plan and had to susspended the services earlier. I made the early termination fee to AT&T but still the phone is unlocked and am unable to make use of it in India.
I was trying to correct a problem with birthday calendar entries appearing a day early, and I followed a post that said I should go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset all settings, and now it's asking me whether I want to set up as a new iphone. I haven't recently done any manual backup. Where should I back up from or if I chose "setup as new iphone" will all my data be lost?
Thinking about selling my 3Gs and downgrading to original iPhone. What impact would this have on my AT&T contract? I got the 3GS at launch, so little over a year ago.
Does AT&T just want me to be a monthly subscriber, regardless of hardware? Also, what data plan is available on original EDGE iPhone?
I'm looking for the iPhone sim free primarily for storing my audible collection and sms. I came across this website after a bit of googling and I'm not sure whether to sign up. It offers an iPhone for free, provided you complete a free trial offer and ask some friends to do the same. It seems pretty legit, it has a video from the BBC & CNN but I'm not sure.
Is it still possible to buy an Iphone 4 in a Apple store (or other stores?) without signing a contract? If then, where, and how much does it cost? (16GB's whats interesting).Btw, is it still low stock on the Iphones everywhere? If so, is it possible somewhere to see what stores got em in stock etc?
Last month I got an iP4 on Vodafone contract through CPW and was porting over from o2. Nothing happened and, a month later I have a Vodafone subsidised iP4, no Vodafone contract and my old up and running o2 contract. I have checked the above with Voda and o2.
Now I've buggered up my sim card I need a new one. I have two choices.
a) Go back to CPW, tell them what's happened, give them a bollocking and demand that they sort my Vodafone contract so I can get on with it.
b) Go to o2 and ask for a new sim and carry on as normal. I haven't used the new phone as a phone yet due to no micro sim so I assume it'll take the o2 sim then lock to it?
Action has to be taken today as I have no working sim and need a phone but I change my mind every five minutes.
My friend has an Iphone on AT&T and wants to get it unlocked without doing a jailbreak (offical unlock from Apple) but is upset he can't. I hear people talking about not having to deal with a contract from a carrier here in America and being free to do whatever they want for service if they buy their phone outright with no contract. The problem that I have in understanding this theory is this
There are two major GSM networks in America (AT&T and T-Mobile) and two major CDMA networks in America (Verizon and Sprint)
If you buy a regular phone (non-3G) with AT&T or T-Mobile you can hop between the two carriers but if the phone is 3G then it will only work on AT&T or T-Mobile since they have different 3G frequencies.
If you buy a regular phone or a phone that is EVDO Rev A capable with Verizon or Sprint they only work on those carriers anyway because they don't allow you to switch their phones between carriers?
Having an unlocked phone is good if you travel overseas and no contract means you can cancel when you want but how many people really cancel service often enough and switch carriers for that to matter, especially if they have a family account?
So the question is this - what does free or not having a contract really mean and why does it matter when you can't really go anywhere and use all the features of the phone?
I'm getting an iPhone 4s, and I wanted to know if I absoloutely, postively had to have a contract and/or service plan, because I don't want a plan, just the iPhone.
I bought an iPhone 4 two years ago in San Francisco Apple store, without any carrier contracts and it is locked to carriers other than AT&T. Here are the resuls of a phone check:
imei: 012421006441020
family: iPhone
type: iPhone 4 16GB BLACK
version: 5.1
serial: 7V03723YA4S
mac: CC08E069507F
iccid: 89014103243563264800
purchase date: 2010-09-20
purchase country: US
warranty coverage: Out of Warranty
registered: YES
activated: YES
carrier: AT&T USA
locked: YES
How can I unlock this phone for use with any carrier, since I paid the full price?
Yesterday I went on to my wireless at AT&T to look at my upgrade eligibility on the new Torch. I have Premier. I was not expecting much other then no commitment price since I got the iPhone 4 in June. The Blackberry Torch was $499.99 plus tax as I expected no commitment but under this it showed some phone I might like based on AT&T estimates of what I looked at. The Samsung Captivate which I also assumed was $499 no commitment(it says this on the AT&T site and at the stores) it was listed at $372.99 (with tax and 1 day shipping it was $412) The iPhone4 16GB was $399 with tax also.
The Aria was $399.99. I put in an order for the Captivate as it saves me $120 on the price of this phone when factoring taxes and cost. I don't really understand Premier or AT&T why is their twin flagship phones going for cheap on No-Commitment yet the Torch and Aria are so much more? Does it have to do with my Premier account? if so then why these phones and not the others? On the flip side I think I am going to like this phone the Apple screen is nice looking but the Captivate is also stunning. Is there any cons on the Captivate besides no flash and no side loading app?
I am pondering to get iphone 4 contract-free (699-799) and wondering what are feature limitations?
I would love to,
1. use it with T-mobile pay-as-you-go plan 2. be able to use all iphone 4 features (facetime! over wi-fi) 3. use GPS for nav apps etc (not sure if this requires data plan - possibly depends on specific app)
Just wondering if you call ATT and ask to unlock the iPhone will they provide means to unlock it after your contract is up? With normal phones it seems they will unlock if you are past your contract. I don't see why iPhone should be any different because you have fulfilled the contract. Never heard of this happening so thought I would ask.
Alright, first of all I know everyone is getting sick and tired of the iphone related threads popping up over here. But I have no other choice but to start one — hoping someone will be able to offer me a solution to my problem.
Here's the deal. My wife has the unlimited data plan, since she signed up with Att last year. Currently she has a iPhone 3GS and sees no need to upgrade to the new version.
I on the other hand had been using a paygo T-mobile plan (had been waiting for the iPhone).
Now the thing is she doesn't really use her data and I most definitely could with my shiny new phone (hopefully arriving on June 24th), but am unable to as I don't already have a contract with them.
I know people would suggest to switch the sims when I get the phone, but that's a no-go as the Misses is very attached to her number and does not want to change it (under no condition whatsoever)
So what I need all you guys to tell me is a way to get her number switched over to my contract so I can give her my sim (I'm aware of the sim differences in the two phones and will sort that out.
So any clue how to do this?
I was thinking of porting over her number to a different carrier and then porting it back to a new line on att (though this would mean I lose my preorder).
Though I don't know if I can port over her current ATT number and still maintain the contract. Does ATT allow that. And how difficult do you guys think it would be to port it back to a new connection on ATT.
Also, her number is originally from Wisconsin and now we live in Chicago.
Is there an easier solution?
Why can't ATT just switch the numbers on the contracts?
