"iPhone 5" upgrade for iPhone 4S early adopters...

[dwill05]

No one is holding anyone hostage. No one is forced to buy the new iPhone, or any phone for that matter. If someone doesn't have to patience to wait until they are eligible for a full upgrade, then AT&T gives them an option of paying a bit more. You don't have to take that option, and truth be told, AT&T doesn't have to offer that option either. It's entirely your choice.

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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raidersfan_4_LIFE wrote:

WHY SHOULD THEY HAVE A NEW PHONE DESIGN WITH ONLY MINOR CHANGES EVERY FEW MONTHS "WHERES THE LOYALITY" IN THAT COME ON MAN GET REAL.....PLEASE

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the same thing can be applied to you, why should any corporation lose money becuase you want the latest and greatest toy every time it is uppgraded, if you want that, then the method is already there - pay full retail for the device and you can upgrade to a different phone every week if you want to. You want to sign a contract that has no stipulation requiring rhe corporation to give you a new phone on their dime everytime a new one comes out - and it is their dime, they lose money on the the price they sell the phone to you at in return you agree o=to not want another subsidized phone for 18 - 24 months

[fbhturtle13]

ok i was inline for the first iphone and done preorder or was inline for every iphone since YES EVERY... for 16gb 200$ no earily upgrade fee and now after 4gen's of the iphone at&t says oh sorry you have to wait tell may now really!!! this is crap i have 10lines all iphones all upgraded every year with no problems. this is really going to hurt there iphone sales. maybe it was a loyalty thing since i have been with them since cingular days dono but im no happy about this like many many others AT&T

[alimonster00]

This is quite rediculious. I for one was going to buy one and have bought them every time a new one came out, but I refuse to pay a $250 fee that has NEVER been asked of me before. I didn't even upgrade to the iphone 4S so my last upgrade was April 2011 and I have to wait until April 2013 to not pay the $250...

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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alimonster00 wrote:

This is quite rediculious. I for one was going to buy one and have bought them every time a new one came out, but I refuse to pay a $250 fee that has NEVER been asked of me before. I quite like Verizon's early upgrade fee... Nothing after August 14, 2013

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if august 14 2013 is end of contract for you,, then depending on your payment history you will have the ability to upgrade to the new toy about 4 months earlier then that date with no early upgrade fee.... you will just have the same charges on att as verison, cost of the phone and activation fee, the only different would be with verizon you are on a shared data plan

It is also documented by numerous threads here in the forum there was no ability for iphone4 users to upgrade to the 4s without the early upgrade fee

[dwill05]

Um, unless I'm misunderstanding what the screen grabs in that article mean, it isn't "nothing after August 14, 2013". My impression is that it shows the pricing for someone who's two year contract happens to be up on that date, as the article states that Verizon isn't allowing any early upgrade. If you sign up for Verizon today, you won't get any discount until exactly two years from today, if I read it right.

[alimonster00]

January wouldnt be so bad. If my 4 can hold out until then. I misread some info and edited my post you replied to. I wasnt thinking I did not upgrade to the iPhone 4S, that's why I'm reletively close to the 2 year mark vs so mant others who upgraded to the 4S and have a bit longer. Maybe that is why I was unaware of this $250 fee though I did upgrade early with the other iPhones. Just sucks when the new fun stuff comes out and you want to get it ASAP and then bam you have to wait!!

[21stNow]

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alimonster00 wrote:

January wouldnt be so bad. If my 4 can hold out until then. I misread some info and edited my post you replied to. I wasnt thinking I did not upgrade to the iPhone 4S, that's why I'm reletively close to the 2 year mark vs so mant others who upgraded to the 4S and have a bit longer. Maybe that is why I was unaware of this $250 fee though I did upgrade early with the other iPhones. Just sucks when the new fun stuff comes out and you want to get it ASAP and then bam you have to wait!!

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You don't have to wait.  Just pay the $250 early upgrade fee or buy the device for full price.  You're making yourself wait.

[datkidpatrick]

thing is AT&T has always given 2 year pricing to early adopters of the iPhone... If they aren't this year I would like an official statement. 

[drumn_bass]

They didn't last year. iPhone or not, the upgrade policy is the same for everybody, just because AT&T did you guys a huge favor in the past by letting you upgrade early (big mistake IMO) doesn't obligate them to continuing doing it every year. 

[Darin1138]

My niece hopes to get a iphone but her upgrade isnt until the Dec. I remember when Iphone 4 come out there let people do it early. With in 6months I think. Anyone know if they are doing this again?

Also why wouldnt AT&T all anyone to upgrade, it locks them in to a long term and makes it harder for them to swtich to someone else. it seems it would be a win-win for AT&T. 

[drumn_bass]

Because they haven't paid back for they subsidy they received the last time yet, it's not a win at all if the company can't recoup the cost of the subsidy before giving an other one, they'll be losing money. They did it in the past as a HUGE favor to it's customers (and they took the loss) by which they've created a "monster", now it's expected and all the good AT&T did is forgotten. 

December is perfect, Holiday's are a great reason for a new phone purchase.

[JulienPDX]

lol corporations do "favors" to customers when they realize that if they don't, they would LOSE money.  Since AT&T has no "off-contract" pricing for any customers and continues to charge the same rate regardless of whether or not one of their customer is in contract--I'd argue that whatever "loss" they are claiming was minimal at most 

[richphilly]

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drumn_bass wrote:

Because they haven't paid back for they subsidy they received the last time yet, it's not a win at all if the company can't recoup the cost of the subsidy before giving an other one, they'll be losing money. They did it in the past as a HUGE favor to it's customers (and they took the loss) by which they've created a "monster", now it's expected and all the good AT&T did is forgotten. 

December is perfect, Holiday's are a great reason for a new phone purchase.

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Corporations, especially behemoths like AT&T, don't do HUGE favors for anyone unless it benefits them financially.  If allowing the upgrades in the past were revenue killers you can bet your last carry-over minute they wouldn't have permitted them.  This "monster" is their responsibility because they failed to manage their customers' expectations.  

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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datkidpatrick wrote:

thing is AT&T has always given 2 year pricing to early adopters of the iPhone... If they aren't this year I would like an official statement. 

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no they have not - scan back about a year on this exact forum and look at the threads complaining about "we don;t get no early upgrade no charge bonus" 

[wingrider01 ACE - Geek]

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JulienPDX wrote:

lol corporations do "favors" to customers when they realize that if they don't, they would LOSE money.  Since AT&T has no "off-contract" pricing for any customers and continues to charge the same rate regardless of whether or not one of their customer is in contract--I'd argue that whatever "loss" they are claiming was minimal at most 

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if you are worth a couple of hundred thousand a month income to them they would but not otherwise.

Not sure why you are claiming rhere is no "off contract priceing" for the phone - att will happily sell you a off contracy iphone for 699/799/899 if you are willing to pay it, neither sprint nor verizon offer and contract discounts for off contract phones, you might be able to get them at t-mobile or cricket though

[datkidpatrick]

well then i guess i was "lucky"... because i got the iphone 4 and 4s the day they came out and paid $199 for each... if they don't want to do the favor i completely understand... but just state it, that's all i'm asking... 

[Sainte]

I have gotten a full subsidized price on every phone since the 3G. And now that's ending. People tend to complain when something they use to recieve for free / benifit  or as AT&T put it for being a valuable ( and I would say loyal ) customer, and it is changed or taken away.

Look, I understand as a company, AT&T has the right to change or adjust pricing on phones or upgrades. It just seems odd that they would change the "early adaptor" policy now, at a time where there are other options out there. Granted, they have been giving us iPhone users the "hook up" on these phones every time Apple releases one. But that's the thing. AT&T was, in a way, rewarding my loyalty by allowing me to get a new customer price. I've always been loyal to companies who treat long time customers just as important ( or better ) as " new revenue streams" customers. Seems to me like a good way to keep customers loyal and happy. Make them feel special.

They should have had a buy-back program. "Give us back the phone we gave you, and you get a new one fully subsidized, ( with a 2-year contact of course )." Much better way of recouping costs than trying to get an extra $250 from "valuable customers". I know some people will pay for it. But I know alot of my friends are aren't. I'm sure AT&T has crunched the numbers and figure that now they shouldn't have to bite the cost on phones just to keep old customers happy. I get it. No one is forcing me into anything and it's not my right to have a new fancy "toy" every year just beacuse I've been a customer.

Then again, I've never had a reason to look at any other carriers or their plans. Til now.       

[xsrvx]

wingrider01 wrote:

It is also documented by numerous threads here in the forum there was no ability for iphone4 users to upgrade to the 4s without the early upgrade fee

I bought the IPhone 4 and when the 4S came out I was able to purchase it at the full discount on launch day.

I was kind of suprised but read other threads and a few news stories that mentioned ATT was waiving the early adopter fee for those that paid on time and their bill was over 100 bucks a month.  

Looks like the rumors I have heard of ATT steering people away from the iPhone is true. All it will really do in my opinion is steer us away from ATT.

[JulienPDX]

"off-contract pricing" that I was referring to is a per-month plan price that odens't include a subsidy tax.  Tmobile is the only one offering this.  (Aka, a lower rate per month since I'm not under contract)

[kbiz]

I've bought an iphone every year the first day and last year (4S) I paid $650 for the phone... now my bill has always been on autopay and over $100/mo so it would have been nice as some have claimed for me to get the lower price!  I was told that the next year I would get the lowest price again but as it turns out now if I want to pre-order I'll have to pay $850 or wait until oct 8th then it's the $650 price again... this is all rediculous... if I had known they were going to hit me with $850 or even $650 this year I would have paid $250 more and gotten an unlocked off contract iphone 4S... which would have higher resale and I would be eligible for a full discounted price now...

[gkantz]

I really don't care about AT&T's "new" policies, or corporate decision making.  What I do know is that after one year, I was able to upgrade to the next iPhone every single year since the original iPhone.  Quite frankly between this and the FaceTime issue, if I have to pay to upgrade, I'll go to Verizon and AT&T will lose a customer.  Obviously they don't give a hoot about a long-time customer who has paid their bills on time and is willing to commit to another long term contract.

[jonathanroop]

I too have called the local store, stopped into another and called 611 multipe times over the past 2 days and am being told that I can't upgrade early without paying the $250.00 early upgrade.  I am extremely dissapointed.  I do understand the business aspect from att, but  i have been a loyal customer for close to 15 years and never missed a payment and pay for 4 lines.  My bill is $200 plus per month.  I want to get this phone so bad, but can't afford the price if it isn't on early upgrade.

[jonathanroop]

the spelling is ridiculous. I am also upset, but you have to understand the reasoning. It doesn't make fiscal sense for them to do it. I want it more than anything, but I do realize why the company wouldn't wan to do this every year.

[aimetti]

Ive been an ATT customer for quite some time. Spend about $3000 a year in service for my family.

I think ATT makes enough money to continue to allow early adopters to get an early upgrade. But then again they are nickle and diming everything now (i.e. face time over 3G)

Regardless of what these A.C.E fellows have been saying , I ordered the 3g  on launch day , Bought the 3GS on launch day for $199 , bought the 4 on launch day for $199 , the next year on launch day I bought the 4s for $199.

So whats changed? Is ATT just not as giving anymore? I plan on buying 3 new iphones , 2 at the 459 price and I thought one for 199. (not to mention the 3 outrageous $29 fees for upgrading)

S1204 dollars not including tax. Not to mention another locked contract worth $3000 a year. You mean to tell me they can afford the $250?? 

Please.

[Filmlawyer]

I just got off the phone with AT&T customer service and was astonisnished to find out that it only costs $200 to cancel my iphone 4S contract and buy the iPhone 5 through Verizon who i understand has a 4G wireless network that works in most cities or pay a $286 upgrade fee to AT&T in addition to the subsidized cost of the phone and sign a new two year contract to upgrade to the iPhone 5 with AT&T.

Once word gets out that it is more costly to stay with AT&T than to cancel and move to Verizon under AT&T's proposed terms, I am pretty sure AT&T will change their policy on the upgrade fee.  I've upgraded 3 times in the past on the the new iPhone came out and have never been charged a fee.

I suggest calling AT&T and demanding that they waive the early upgrade fee or you will cancel and move to Verizon.  I am pretty sure AT&T will do whatever they can to keep you as a customer.

The math is screwy and even the AT&T customer service rep couldn't figure out why it would cost more to stay with AT&T than to cancel and sign up with a new carrier on September 21.

[Filmlawyer]

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I just got off the phone with AT&T customer service and was astonisnished to find out that it only costs $200 to cancel my iphone 4S contract and buy the iPhone 5 through Verizon who i understand has a 4G wireless network that works in most cities or pay a $286 upgrade fee to AT&T in addition to the subsidized cost of the phone and sign a new two year contract to upgrade to the iPhone 5 with AT&T.

Once word gets out that it is more costly to stay with AT&T than to cancel and move to Verizon under AT&T's proposed terms, I am pretty sure AT&T will change their policy on the upgrade fee.  I've upgraded 3 times in the past on the the new iPhone came out and have never been charged a fee.

I suggest calling AT&T and demanding that they waive the early upgrade fee or you will cancel and move to Verizon.  I am pretty sure AT&T will do whatever they can to keep you as a customer.

The math is screwy and even the AT&T customer service rep couldn't figure out why it would cost more to stay with AT&T than to cancel and sign up with a new carrier on September 21.

[raccer83l]

add me to the list of people that bought every iPhone on launch even as far back as the original that I paid $599 for.

so original $599

3G on launch $199

3Gs on launch $199

4 on launch $199

4S on launch $199

5.  $199 + $250 loyalty fee...   c'mon.....

So why should I stay with AT&T at all?    They have horrible LTE coverage, no Facetime over cellular unless I pay more for the data I already pay for (Should be illegal), and now they wont let me upgrade for a reasonable price...   I will never pay more than $199 for the iPhone because thats what people are paying.   

This year AT&T's decisions have put the nail in the coffin.     

I'm glad my 4S is worth more than my ETF)

Crazy.   Its like AT&T is begging us to switch to Verizon with their FAR SUPERIOR LTE coverage and facetime over cellular.  AT&T doesnt have a single thing to keep their customers (Except the contracts) Which I must say with my poor coverage in my area AT&T is NOT providing the service I am paying for.

[e_sherman]

Anyone who owns an iPhone 4S and has a contract with AT&T is NOT eligible for the full discounted upgrade.

Every month for nearly 5 years I've paid AT&T $120/month for my iPhone plan. Not once have I ever missed a payment. In exchange for being a loyal customer AT&T has always allowed me a full discounted iPhone upgrade with every new release. In return I always agree to extend my contract for 2 years.

I've done this every single year since 2008.

Today I check my eligibility for the iPhone 5 and this is the message I receive: "Good news! You qualify for early iPhone upgrade at a higher price. A full discounted upgrade may be available on 05/08/2013. Some services on your current device may be replaced by similar iPhone services during upgrade."

Let me get this straight.. I've been a loyal AT&T customer paying $120/month for nearly 5 years and you want to suddenly hit me with a $250 upgrade fee? AND you vaguely mention that certain "services on your current device may be replaced." Which means what? According to Gizmodo it means goodbye to your unlimited data plan.

Ridiculous.

In the next week expect to see lower iPhone sales and a large number of AT&T customers "Sprint"ing to new carriers.

Good luck with the new business model.

-Ed Sherman

[enrgy52]

I agree Ed. I have called as well and pleaded my case to no avail. AT&T doesnt care. I too have upgraded every year with no issues and this is a huge slap in the face. 

Silly AT&T must realize what kind of CHURN rate this will cause once people see its CHEAPER to early teminate and move lines to VZ or Sprint than to acutally pay $449+$36 Activation fee... 

CMON AT&T MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE!