Apple invites iPhone Upgrade Program members to 'prep' for Friday's iPhone 8 pre-orders
Apple has begun sending emails to people in the iPhone Upgrade Program, urging them to do "prep work" to be sure they can pre-order an iPhone 8 this Friday morning.
"Pre-order for iPhone 8 starts on 9.15," an email seen by AppleInsider reads. "Get all the prep work done now with the Apple Store app on your iPhone to save time at pre-order -- when every minute counts."
Although November's iPhone X may divert some shoppers, many people are expected to crush Apple's website starting at 12:01 a.m. Pacific time on Friday, hoping to get an iPhone 8 delivered at the product's Sept. 22 launch. In the past, launch-day iPhone units have often run out hours or even minutes after the start of pre-orders.
The Apple Store iOS app may be the fastest way for iPhone Upgrade Program customers to check for eligibility, since it can automatically scan for a device's serial number and IMEI. The process is also available on the Web, but requires signing in with an Apple ID and/or entering numbers manually.
At the price of trade-ins and monthly fees, the Upgrade Program lets people switch to a new iPhone every year, covered by an AppleCare+ warranty. Because iPhones have become more expensive in general however, the minimum cost of the program has risen to at least $34.50 per month for a regular iPhone 8, and $39.50 per month for an 8 Plus.
While largely similar to the iPhone 7, the 8 is equipped with things like a faster A11 processor, Qi wireless charging, and camera improvements for augmented reality and better video shooting. Plus models not only have a dual-lens camera but access to a beta Portrait Lighting feature.
"Pre-order for iPhone 8 starts on 9.15," an email seen by AppleInsider reads. "Get all the prep work done now with the Apple Store app on your iPhone to save time at pre-order -- when every minute counts."
Although November's iPhone X may divert some shoppers, many people are expected to crush Apple's website starting at 12:01 a.m. Pacific time on Friday, hoping to get an iPhone 8 delivered at the product's Sept. 22 launch. In the past, launch-day iPhone units have often run out hours or even minutes after the start of pre-orders.
The Apple Store iOS app may be the fastest way for iPhone Upgrade Program customers to check for eligibility, since it can automatically scan for a device's serial number and IMEI. The process is also available on the Web, but requires signing in with an Apple ID and/or entering numbers manually.
At the price of trade-ins and monthly fees, the Upgrade Program lets people switch to a new iPhone every year, covered by an AppleCare+ warranty. Because iPhones have become more expensive in general however, the minimum cost of the program has risen to at least $34.50 per month for a regular iPhone 8, and $39.50 per month for an 8 Plus.
While largely similar to the iPhone 7, the 8 is equipped with things like a faster A11 processor, Qi wireless charging, and camera improvements for augmented reality and better video shooting. Plus models not only have a dual-lens camera but access to a beta Portrait Lighting feature.
Comments
I'm considering joining and would love to hear from someone already in the program (not a commentator).
With my monthly iPhone charge of about $46 (7 Plus 256GB) and my share of my unlimited family plan, I only pay like $86 a month. Will only go up by about $10 once I upgrade to the iPhone X 256GB. Not bad for unlimited data and access to the latest & greatest from Apple.
How is at an Apple strategic error for not investing in OLED production lines? In case you haven't noticed, Apple doesn't invest in production lines. They contract with other companies for assembly and components. Helping where they need to and can. Actually, Samsung, LG and Sharp are the ones who didn't invest or the technology is just maturing now for extremely high volumes.
Should I wait for and go for the X? Compelling piece of hardware but I've always stayed one version behind, even though I was eligible to upgrade to the 7 series when it launched.
In all honesty, there is absolutely nothing wrong with my 6s+. Battery is still very good (2 days easily for my usage), it's wrapped in its Apple leather case and ZAGG silicone screen protector...never do their glass versions..., and other than the size being a big adjustment from the 5 I last owned, I only have to decide if I want to continue renting-to-own the latest capabilities. I'm weighing it against a second gen X model in another year where I can keep my 6s+ at that time (I will have completed the two year payments to Apple) as the car iPod upgrade device riding silently on a USB connection in the center arm rest. (That will at least officially retire my first gen iPod Touch 32GB unit serving that role today.)