We're just days away from the launch of the iPhone 16 series on September 9, and they're sure to be very expensive phones. But if you're a member of the iPhone Upgrade Program, you can get one for “free.”
Obviously, almost nothing in life is free, least of all smartphones, but at least you may not need to spend more than you already do.
Below, we'll explain exactly what the iPhone Upgrade Program is, how it works, and whether you can use it to get an iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, or iPhone 16 Pro Max without spending a single extra cent.
What is the iPhone Upgrade Program?
The iPhone Upgrade Program is a contract, much like buying an iPhone from a carrier, but offered directly by Apple.
Simply choose your iPhone and pay for it over 20 months (in the UK) or 24 months (in the US) with 0% interest – although if you're a UK customer, there's an additional upfront cost of £69.
But once you've made 11 payments (in the UK) or 12 payments (in the US), you have the option to upgrade to a new iPhone. If you choose to do so, you simply hand over your current iPhone to Apple and start the program again with your new iPhone.
If you decide not to upgrade, you can simply continue paying for your current iPhone and then keep it at the end.
Which countries have the iPhone Upgrade Program?
The iPhone Upgrade Program is available in both the US and the UK, as well as China.
However, details such as costs and program length vary slightly from place to place. So where things differ, we've indicated the different terms in the US and UK.
Which iPhones can you upgrade to as part of the program?
Currently, you can only get iPhone 15 models through the iPhone Upgrade Program. This includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. So if you want an older or lower-end model, this program isn't for you.
Once the iPhone 16 line launches, we expect the iPhone 15 line to be succeeded by the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. So, yes, you should be able to get Apple’s not-yet-announced new iPhones in the Upgrade Program.
Of course, the monthly cost you'll pay will depend on the model and its storage capacity. We don't yet know the price of the iPhone 16 line, but as an example, the iPhone 15 starts at $39.50 / £42.95 per month with this program, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at $58.25 / £65.45 per month.
Is it possible to reserve an iPhone 16 through the iPhone Upgrade Program?
iPhone 16 pre-orders haven't opened yet, but when they do (which, based on history, we predict will happen on Friday, September 13), there's a good chance you'll be able to reserve one of Apple's new phones through the iPhone Upgrade Program, just as you could with previous models.
What else do you get with the iPhone Upgrade Program?
In addition to the option of a new iPhone, you'll also get AppleCare+ as part of the iPhone Upgrade Program.
This provides accidental damage protection, meaning you can get your iPhone repaired for free (except for overage) an unlimited number of times if it's accidentally damaged.
AppleCare+ also gives you battery service, access to Express Replacement Service, and 24/7 priority access to Apple experts.
You can also optionally add theft and loss protection, although this comes at an additional cost.
How to enroll in the iPhone Upgrade Program?
In the US, you can enroll in the iPhone Upgrade Program online, at an Apple Store, or through the Apple Store app. In the UK, you can only enroll at a physical Apple Store, although there is the option to reserve an iPhone online to pick up in a store and then enroll when you pick it up.
Other things to keep in mind about the iPhone upgrade program
When you get a new iPhone through the iPhone Upgrade Program, you can connect it to your current carrier with no changes to the plan you have with them—your contract is only with Apple, not a network operator.
Apple will run a credit check when you apply for the iPhone Upgrade Program, so depending on your credit score, there's a chance you could be declined.
Additionally, while you must pay a certain amount before you are eligible to upgrade, you can upgrade early by paying the remaining required balance at the time of upgrade.
