You probably heard of the new Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program. Basically the program allows users to get a new iPhone in installments every year. You will just need to pay $32 or $36 per month for the 16GB iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus respectively, and you will receive the iPhone 7 next year without extra cost.
This is quite similar to some programs offered by carriers in the USA, and it is even more expensive. However, it has its own advantages that many future iPhone owners will appreciate. For instance, the iPhone you receive from the Upgrade Program will be unlocked and you can switch to any carrier in and outside the US. It will also be bundled with AppleCare+, so your phone will be covered for up to 2 times of accidental damages like screen damage, accidental drops or liquid damage. If you take part in the program, you will need to show up at an Apple’s retail store and a credit check, a credit card, and a 2-year installment loan are required.
However, what people concern the most is probably the model number of their iPhone 6S or 6S Plus they receive from the program. As you know, the new iPhones come in some model numbers with different cellular connectivity. So which iPhone will you receive from the Upgrade Program? A1633, A1634, A1688 or A1687?
An Apple representative told me that customers will get the iPhone 6S A1688 or iPhone 6S Plus A1687. The device is unlocked and you will be able to use it on any carrier like AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile or Verizon. The only drawback is that the models don’t support the new LTE band 30 which will be used by AT&T in the near future. This won’t affect coverage on AT&T but you won’t be able to take advantage of the faster LTE, especially in urban areas like New York City or San Francisco.
If you want to receive the iPhone A1633 or A1634, you might need to be an existing AT&T customer or purchase an AT&T plan before leaving the store.
Any question or comment? Let us know in the comment section below.
CCnNYC says
So A1688 is same as CDMA (with Verizon)?
I guess if I miss the new ATT band 30 I can change in 12 months at least…
qBill says
Hi Tuan Do,
Thank you for this post. I am concerned about on one vague point in the iPhone Upgrade Program. I checked with Apple pre-sales support, and they confirmed that a phone purchased through the program starts out unlocked, but before you take it out of the store, you are required to activate it with one of the Big Four U.S. carriers (Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon). The pre-sales support person says that at that point, that carrier may lock the phone (or maybe they won’t; this Apple representative did not know). Anyway, if these carriers do lock the phone then it may not really be the case that this program will let you get an unlocked iPhone. You can get an iPhone that was once unlocked, but it may not be possible to get one that is still unlocked when you leave the store with it. Do you have any more information about this issue?
Jeff Miller says
According to this user, he received A1633 with the iPhone Upgrade Program. (see comments)
https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/3mgsl3/information_on_iphone_upgrade_program_for/
Baron says
No I received the A1688 even though I specified AT&T model. The upgrade program is a joke.
Gaivy says
Can anybody tell me which model is best?
aziz says
A 1633 the best so far
anapatriciaguzman says
To unlock my iPhone s model A 1633
I need to unlock my iPhone s please thanks
Prady says
will the phone work if i get it activated on a AT&T account and then swap the phone with a t-mobile sim ?
rajan pathak says
Guys, what is thae storage capacity of A1688
ALBIN says
16 giga
Tristan says
Note: this article suggests that one will receive the following “perk” if they are enrolled in AT&T’s free upgrade program: “It [iPhone6] will also be bundled with AppleCare+, so your phone will be covered for up to 2 times of accidental damages like screen damage, accidental drops or liquid damage.”
INCORRECT. When enrolled in AT&T’s payment program, you are not covered by AppleCare+ and will not receive a replacement phone at no cost or for discounted price (i.e. $200 replacement cost vs full msrp). You have 14 days to return or exchange your phone, but ONLY if it’s still in “like-new” condition. If you accidentally jump into a pool with your iPhone while enrolled in this plan, DO NOT expect AT&T to replace your brand new waterlogged phone at no cost. You will be required to pay off your ENTIRE remaining balance due on your existing plan PRIOR to receiving a new phone and enrolling in a new upgrade payment plan. Word to the wise, do not break or damage your phone while on this plan and expect an AT&T replacement or upgrade, especially if you have one last payment due before you’re eligible for a “free” upgrade to their newest model. This happened to my iPhone5S. I not only had to pay the payment plan’s remaining balance in full, but I also had to purchas my iPhone6 at its full price. Even though I’ve been with AT&T for 18 years and never missed a single monthly payment, they did not cut me any slack and a supervisor explicitly said that AppleCare+ is not included in the monthly payment plan.
The “fine print” explaining this AT&T plan is complicated for good reasons: 1. to confuse you, 2. to convince you that you’re getting a great deal. This plan is only helpful if one cannot afford to purchase the phone at full price and would like to make monthly payments; it’s exactly like leasing a car – you will pay more in the long run and there are absolutely ZERO perks for doing so.
Lesson: DO NOT get suckered into signing up for AT&T’s payment plan. Pay full price for your new iPhone and purchase AppleCare+ if you’re clumsy.
Tuan Do says
Hi,
We are talking about the Apple’s iPhone upgrade program, it is totally different from the AT&T’s payment program. Check out this link: http://www.apple.com/shop/iphone/iphone-upgrade-program
You are not tied to any carrier.
Ehbipul says
I exchanged my old 6s with new iPhone 6s due to battery issue, got model number A1688, but now Face time not working in it. Please help