Apples iPhone upgrade program now available for online sales


Last fall, Apple launched an upgrade program to encourage faster upgrade cycles. Essentially you enter into a monthly installment loan and when you're ready for a new phone, Apple will accept the device as payment for the balance of the loan.

Retail upgrade programs like Apple's can be a convenient way for users to upgrade every year without having to deal with private sales or other trade in schemes. To date, Apple's program required you to go into an Apple retail store to signup for the program. That appears to have changed this week.

Chance Miller for 9 to 5 Mac:

Starting today, if you visit Apple's website and go through the process of buying an iPhone, you'll see a new option alongside the traditional carrier installment, contract, and outright purchase options. At the very top of the list is the iPhone Upgrade Program and its installment pricing. In fact, when you go through the process, the iPhone Upgrade Program is now the default choice.

This sounds great to me since I'm a nerd and like to get new iPhones at launch. I don't however, want to deal with the circus of Apple retail during launch weekends. If I can do this online, that makes Apple's trade in program much more attractive.

Apple's program likely isn't the best deal, however, it's easy. Again for iPhone launches, Apple has historically prioritized direct sales and retailers get limited stocks to ration out.