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?
View 24 RepliesI'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?
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.
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?
View 8 Replies View RelatedYesterday 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 want to sell my 3G S now, but I've checked everything and I'm still not comfortable with what ATT is telling me. When in dial *NEW# from the phone, the message says they can offer me an upgrade.
The website says I "may" qualify for an upgrade. Calling 611 in the automated system, it says they can offer me a discount. Can anyone clarify this for me?
Apps installed on the iPhone could not be determined.
Info:
iPhone 3G
Is there a way to group contacts by a determined phone list, for example work, friends, etc... Also, can we show name and business or just names
Info:
iPhone 4
"The required disk could not be found"
Info:
iPhone 4S, iOS 5.1.1
Whos eligibility changed after they logged in to AT&T today?
View 24 Replies View RelatedI 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?
When trying to pre-order I keep getting stuck on the first screen then followed by the second. Anyone else?
View 4 Replies View RelatedI see in the Nokia 700 specs:GSM Standby Time up to 465.0 hoursThat is about 10x longer than the battery lasts for, if the phone is not used at all.
View 19 Replies View RelatedI 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.
Info: iPhone 5, Sleep/Wake Button replacement
After attempting to upgrade software for my iphone 4s via itunes, the upgrade failed and my phone froze with a picture of an usb plug.I even uninstalled security on my computer.
Info:
iPhone 4S, iOS 5.0.1
Can I use someone else's upgrade? Yes, this is called an "upgrade swap". 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 in store also, but it requires a bit more time since they have to call AT&T first. If you pre-order and recieve the phone by mail, you will need to contact AT&T to let them know that you will be activating the phone on another line."
My current situation:
I am on a family plan with a total of two lines. My line is not eligible until 7/23, so all I can get is "early upgrade pricing". My mom's line is currently eligible for "full upgrade pricing". I am planning on using my mom's upgrade to get an iPhone 4. I want to preorder the phone from Apple.com on the 15th, and hopefully receive it the afternoon of the 24th. From my understanding, the microSIM that ships with the phone will be programmed for the line whose upgrade was used. However, the iPhone Upgrade Guide makes it sound like I can call AT&T once I receive the phone (and before I activate it), and have AT&T switch the microSIM from my mom's line to mine. Is this possible?
I have a message in my settings telling me that i can upgrade my IOS, but i don't want to upgrade at this time. How can i get rid of the red message mark?
Info:
iPhone 4S, iOS 5.0.1
I have 4.0 and want to upgrade to 4.0.1 but iTunes 9.2.1 currently will only let me upgrade to 4.0.2 even when trying to force the .ipsw file.
View 7 Replies View Relatedmy iphone 3gs will not upgrade to the next upgrade
View 1 Replies View RelatedI downloaded nokia s40 whatsapp from the whatsapp website and when I try to open the program I get the following message: "This copy of whatsapp has expired. Please click upgrade to start the upgrade process" When I click on upgrade, it installs the same version again: version 2.3.14.I still keep getting the same message.
View 5 Replies View RelatedI have a jailbroken IPhone 3gs running 3.1.3, the main reason I jailbroke was so I could disable cellular data and not pay the 25 a month. I want to upgrade to something above 4.0. now I know in 4.0 or newer you can turn off cellular data but does that do the same thing as the profile. I have on my phone that disables the data? Also is there a way to upgrade to 4.0 or 4.10 so I can jailbreak again?
View 11 Replies View RelatedSo I know someone who was jailbroken and unlocked on 3.1.2, but he did a reset all settings and content, and it put in him a reboot loop, so the phone wont start. So, I'm trying to find out if there is anyway to restore the iphone to 3.1.2, without losing the unlock. His SHSH are saved on cydia.I am with AT&T so when I upgraded to 3.1.3, and downgraded to 3.1.2 I didn't need an unlock. So I think the process would be different, right?Or is it as easy as doing a shift+restore through iTunes with the modded Hosts file? Or will that mess with any of the unlock?
View 14 Replies View RelatedI do not recall seeing/reading my question anywhere the past few weeks regarding the new OS 4 (whenever it comes out):
Question: Will my iPhone 3GS (purchased Sep2009) be able to upgrade from 3.0 to 4.0?If the answer is "no", does anyone know if Apple plans to offer some of the 4.0 enhancements as a 3.x patch for us 7-month old owners?
Based on the leaked images will you upgrade your current iPhone to the next generation or will you stick with what you have?
View 24 Replies View RelatedFeels the same due to weight, even though it's 24% smaller width. I thought I liked the design of my old 3G, but the new iPhone 4 is a beauty. Biggest complaint with the 3G was the amount of time it took to load apps, just horrendous. Everything on the 4G is just faster and snappier within micro-seconds. HD Video cam, haven't used it much yet but can see myself using it often vs. not having one on the 3G. Photos, awesome as always and the LED flash will help out a ton.
In summary, after the excitement of opening the package and being among the 600k that "got it first" I can't say I'm too much impressed. Definitely something I wouldn't wait in line for more than 1 hour, much less camp out for.
I recently purchased an IPhone 3gs with new At&t service and now I'm hearing so much about the new one coming out in the summer. I understand that 3g and 3gs owners will be able to upgrade to 4.0 whenever it comes out. Would you say it's coming next week when apple has their conference, or would we have to wait a little while? Also, I don't even know how upgrades work for at&t, so how would I upgrade to the new IPhone if I just got the 3gs?
View 15 Replies View RelatedShould I even bother trying to upgrade with my current setup? It would be nice if I could keep everything, settings, game progress, etc. Is it even possible to do this and not have issues, or should I just suck it up and set up as new on 4.0.1 and re-JB and reload everything?
View 4 Replies View RelatedI have an iPhone 3gs running version 4.3 (8F190) iOS. My son tells me there is an upgrade for this system and has urged me to upgrade to the 5.1 version. However, I have been reading that a number of folks have had problems after they made this upgrade. What are the benefits of this upgrade for my phone and what are the potential downsides?
Info:
iPhone 3GS, iOS 4.3
