Apple Stores drop AT&T iPhone subsidies this month as Verizon changes coming
Apple today has informed employees of significant changes to how iPhones are sold via AT&T and Verizon Wireless, according to sources. As we reported last month, Apple has indicated that iPhones sold via AT&T at both physical Apple Retail Stores and on the Apple Online Store will move exclusively to Next financing plans this month, in June. This means that a customer who wants to buy a new iPhone on AT&T will no longer be able to do so on a subsidy…
Apple Stores to soon open up iPhone sales via AT&T Next, T-Mobile JUMP, & Verizon Edge
Apple is preparing a significant expansion of its iPhone sales capabilities in its official retail stores, according to sources. Late in August, many Apple Stores in the United States will kick off a pilot program for customers to be able to purchase a new iPhone via the latest carrier upgrade programs: AT&T Next, T-Mobile JUMP, and Verizon Edge. Currently, iPhones bought at Apple Stores must either be purchased on a two-year deal, or at full-price (unlocked) with no contract…
Verizon confirms Edge 6-month phone upgrade program
The leaked plan we reported on Monday has been confirmed: Verizon is joining the ‘hang onto your early adopters by letting them upgrade handsets every six months’ club, closely following T-Mobile’s lead. AtD explained how it works:
With Verizon Edge, you pay the full retail price of a phone, along with a month-to-month service plan. The cost of the handset is divided into 24 monthly installments, and the first payment is due at the point of sale.
If, after six months, you decide you want to upgrade your phone, you can do so, as long as you’ve paid 50 percent of the unsubsidized price, and the phone is still in working condition. Once you trade in your device, all final payments are waived, you choose another handset of your liking, and start all over again.
Verizon Edge is only available to those on one of Verizon’s Share Everything plans, starting at $40 per month. The company has not yet updated its site with full details, just an email sign-up to find out more.