ERROR: Apple iPhone Upgrade program- Apple store would not activate phone nor sell me IUP

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RUSD tech Author

Level 4

1,525 points

ERROR: Apple iPhone Upgrade program- Apple store would not activate phone nor sell me IUP

So I went in on launch day after waiting inline for over 90 minutes for an IUP reservation.

I reserved an ATT iPhone 7 as there were no T Mobile phones available as I really wanted to join the Upgrade Program.

This forum said I could just swap out the ATT with TMO when I got to the store - WRONG! ⚠

The Apple store rep said if I reserved an ATT phone I would have to start or use an existing ATT.

He could not just let me swap the TMO SIM I had....😢

He said the IUP and Citizen's Bank requires the carrier be activated in order to get in on the IUP program.

Guess there are some back end "trunk" money that Apple and the bank are getting paid by the carrier ???

I ended up buying the phone outright without AppleCare and walked out with a paid phone. Sold it the next day to a friend who wanted a 7+.

So now I am waiting for Apple to restock TMO phones....😟

✖So beware that you can not just swap SIM cards as previously stated by other forum members!

iPhone 6s Plus, iOS 9.3.5

Posted on Sep 18, 2016 8:24 AM

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Answer 1

Sep 18, 2016 8:33 AM in response to RUSD tech

I thought the FAQ made that pretty clear. - http://www.apple.com/shop/iphone/iphone-upgrade-program. If you want to enroll using the installment plan (my bold added):

When I buy with the iPhone Upgrade Program, is my iPhone “unlocked”?

Yes. You can select a new wireless carrier or stick with the one you have. We’ll activate your iPhone on your choice of AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon. Once your new iPhone is activated, it remains unlocked.

If you pay in full and walk out owning the phone (I.e. not enroll in the upgrade program at all), then no activation is required as part of that process, and you can then indeed toss the included SIM and put in one of your choice.

Ever since it was first announced, the upgrade installment program has always said you cannot leave the store without activating service with a participating carrier. However you are not under any contract and can cancel that service as you wish. Your device itself is not locked to the carrier of the SIM it came with.

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Answer 2

RUSD tech Author

Level 4

1,525 points

Sep 19, 2016 2:35 PM in response to Michael Black

So I should have started new service with the other carrier and then after I walk out, cancel the service ?

Then put my SIM card in to resume ?

Would that work?

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Answer 3

Sep 20, 2016 6:30 AM in response to RUSD tech

Yes. While the installment plan requires you to activate service, you are not under any contract with the activated carrier. Your installment agreement is with Citizens Bank and has nothing to do with the carrier. You can cancel that activated service at any time, and switch to a different carrier.

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