iPhone Upgrade Program 2023: Expert Guide to Financing and Trading-in Your Device

We’re just days away from the September 9 launch of the iPhone 16 series, and, boy, are these phones going to be expensive! But if you’re an iPhone Upgrade Program member, you might be able to snag one of these latest devices without breaking the bank.

The iPhone Upgrade Program is a contract with Apple, where you pay off your iPhone over a set period (20 months in the UK or 24 months in the US) with 0% interest. Once you’ve made 11 payments in the UK or 12 in the US, you can trade in your old iPhone and upgrade to the latest model. If you don’t want to upgrade, you can just continue paying off your current phone and keep it at the end.

The program is available in the US, UK, and China, but the specifics vary from place to place. The program only covers iPhone 16 models, so you won’t be able to get older or lower-end iPhones through this program.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 haven’t started yet, but when they do, you’ll be able to pre-order an iPhone through the program as you could with previous models. When you sign up for the program, you’ll also get AppleCare+, which includes accidental damage protection, battery service, and priority access to Apple experts. You can add theft and loss protection, too, for an extra fee.

To enroll, head to an Apple Store or Apple’s website to sign up online. The program does require a credit check, so your application might be rejected if you have poor credit. When you’re ready to upgrade, you can pay the remaining balance or upgrade early with a lump sum.

Keep in mind that this program is only with Apple, not your carrier network, so you can take your phone to any provider. When you get your new iPhone, you’ll connect it to your carrier without changing your plan.