iPhone 12 pro

Yes. The credits stop when the installment plan for the iPhone 12 stops. To get all credits you must complete the full 30 months of the installment plan.

How does the trade in work when ordering the phone from Apple?  I’ve looked at the buying process in the Apple app and it says you select No Trade in (to Apple), and then you have to go to the AT&T trade in page after you checkout.  My question is, if you buy through Apple, how does AT&T know that you’re buying a iPhone 12 and getting the special deal instead of just doing a normal trade?  In other words, how do they tie your purchase through Apple to their deal?

@dwill05 You must finance the purchase via a Next plan. By choosing ATT as the carrier and financing on Next, that ties the purchase to ATT’s deal. If you are wanting to buy the sim free unlocked version from Apple and still get the ATT deal, that’s not possible. You must select ATT as the carrier and finance on Next, which means you get a locked phone.

@sandblaster   So, you’re saying that AT&T knows it automatically if you buy the phone through Apple?  I was already aware that you had to select the AT&T Next plan as well as the phone being locked, and other limitations.  My only outstanding concern was the trade in being applied correctly.  Thanks.

Sandblaster 

If after a year or so I continue the payments like above may I replace the iPhone 12 with an updated phone and continue the payments and credits thru the 30 months?  I am looking to maximize my credits and not be stuck in the new phone for the entire 30 month. 

@george450 You can use any phone you want. As long as the installment plan stays in effect, so do the credits.

Ok  Thank you !!!

Apple is tied into ATT's customer database to sell phones just like BestBuy or any Authorized reseller is.  They can see your upgrade eligibility and ATT know exactly when you get that phone from APPLE.