Switch carriers in the middle of iPhone Upgrade program

[coolsean20]

Information on Apple's website regarding the iPhone upgrade program states you can switch carriers if needed, but I own the GSM model of the iPhone 7 Plus (A1784) which isn't compatible with the CDMA LTE bands. I am curious to know what the process is for switching to Verizon or Sprint is in the middle of the iPhone Upgrade Program if you own the GSM model because I may need to do it. Is it even possible?

 

[PaladinGuy]

I was told that it isn't possible. I ended up returning my T-Mobile iPhone 7 on the iPhone upgrade program and signed up for Verizon. I was considering it soon, anyway. That allowed me to get the model that works on all four networks, as well.

 

[T5BRICK]

I am curious to know what the process is for switching to Verizon or Sprint is in the middle of the iPhone Upgrade Program if you own the GSM model because I may need to do it. Is it even possible?

There is no process for switching. If you get a GSM only iPhone, you can only use it on GSM carriers.

 

[lordofthereef]

Number one frustration with this year's (and maybe going forward) phones. The freedom you supposedly have with this program isn't quite the same when you lock yourself out of two of the biggest carriers in the states (if you originally joined while on a gen network).

In short you bought in gsm and are stuck there while you owe on the phone. :/

 

[coolsean20]

Well.. now they sell sim free models...

 

[PaladinGuy]

Well.. now they sell sim free models...

You cannot purchase a SIM free model in the iPhone upgrade program. You'd have to pay in full for the phone, upfront, to get the SIM free model.

 

[fryrice]

has anyone asked apple recently if you can switch carriers half way? or what the process would be?

I heard that you would need to pay at least 1 year worth of payments in order to switch.

 

[Mlrollin91]

has anyone asked apple recently if you can switch carriers half way? or what the process would be?

I heard that you would need to pay at least 1 year worth of payments in order to switch.

There are a few threads floating around here.

Basically, you go into the Apple Store. They take your phone, refund your payments. You get a new phone on a new loan and apply the payments they refunded you.
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There is no process for switching. If you get a GSM only iPhone, you can only use it on GSM carriers.

I was told that it isn't possible. I ended up returning my T-Mobile iPhone 7 on the iPhone upgrade program and signed up for Verizon. I was considering it soon, anyway. That allowed me to get the model that works on all four networks, as well.

You can switch. I know this thread is several months old. But there are people on Macrumors that have exercised the ability to switch phones which is outlined in the terms and conditions of the contract.

 

[fryrice]

There are a few threads floating around here.

Basically, you go into the Apple Store. They take your phone, refund your payments. You get a new phone on a new loan and apply the payments they refunded you.
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You can switch. I know this thread is several months old. But there are people on Macrumors that have exercised the ability to switch phones which is outlined in the terms and conditions of the contract.

Thanks man! I will go into an apple store and check it out

 

[Mlrollin91]

Thanks man! I will go into an apple store and check it out

Yep, some employees probably won't know about it, but its outlined online so just reference that.

https://www.apple.com/shop/iphone/iphone-upgrade-program



You’re buying directly from Apple. Which means no more financing your iPhone through your carrier or committing to a multiyear service contract. Your new iPhone will work with your carrier, so you won’t have to make any changes to your rate plan. And if you ever decide to switch carriers after you activate your iPhone with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon, you can easily do that, too.4

4)AT&T and T-Mobile customers may need to visit an Apple Store to switch carriers. See a Specialist for details.

 

[fryrice]

just went into the apple store today and they told me the same exact thing. refund me the money and then apply it to the new phone.

now i just need to go to verizon store and open a new account and get a sim

 

[Mlrollin91]

just went into the apple store today and they told me the same exact thing. refund me the money and then apply it to the new phone.

now i just need to go to verizon store and open a new account and get a sim

Glad to here! Sounds like Apple Stores are getting on the same page now. Probably all the carrier unlimited plans led to a lot of people switching carriers.

 

[tim1000]

Glad to here! Sounds like Apple Stores are getting on the same page now. Probably all the carrier unlimited plans led to a lot of people switching carriers.

Switching from Verizon to att does not require going to Apple Store just an att plan and sim? How does it affect Apple upgrade program?

 

[wildonrio]

just went into the apple store today and they told me the same exact thing. refund me the money and then apply it to the new phone.

now i just need to go to verizon store and open a new account and get a sim

Glad that this worked but didn't this reset your upgrade eligibility?

 

[fryrice]

Unfortunately it did, but I was able to get the right phone for the right carrier.

Currently I switched back to Att and using a iPhone 8 Plus but didn’t go through that process because I already have a QUALCOMM chip.