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The Apple Upgrade programme delivers an ok experience for those people who want the latest iPhone as soon as it's on sale, but it still falls short on a couple of things. Apple care only provides cover against AD, so if you lose your phone, you're in trouble. To actually do the upgrade at 11 months, you need to go to an Apple store and waste hours going through the credit check process and transfer of your data, I mean who has time for this these days?
Anyway, I've recently come across this company called Raylo who let you lease the iPhone and upgrade at 24 months. You don't own the phone, which is a different approach, but then again if you're on the Apple Upgrade programme and actually upgrade, you kind of don't own it either.
The upgrade programs suits people who mainly fall into these categories.
Wants the latest iPhone every year.
Uses the phone with no case or screen protector, as such, does not need to ‘baby’ their phone and can show off their latest tech.
Does not need to worry about re-sale value.
Does not need to worry about getting scammed when selling their old iPhone.
Does not need to worry about condition (to an extent). The phone does need to be in a fair condition upon upgrade time.
Added benefit of Apple Care+ which provides much lower repair bills. Accidents can happen.
Flexible in terms of your mobile carrier. Means they can get great deals on SIM only plans.
There will be people who say buying and selling and every year will beat the Apple upgrade program, which is true, however, there are some major risks. Drop your iPhone, the repair costs will eat your buying and selling plan. Or get scammed by a nasty buyer, your buying and selling plan will fail.
