Today you can buy a new iPhone at almost any major electronics retailer. Often, most stores offer the same models for about the same price. However, these prices may still be slightly higher than in official Apple stores. Because of this, it’s not surprising that most people prefer to buy not only iPhones but also other Apple products at their official stores.
Even if you find a new iPhone at a low price, it won’t mean you’ll get extra features. When buying a smartphone, you should consider not only convenience and price but also such things as extended warranty, cost, and ease of replacing components in case they malfunction and other repairs. The Apple Store can provide all of this.
What are the advantages of buying an iPhone in Apple Stores?
As for me, one of the main advantages of buying an iPhone in the Apple Store is that you can buy it and exchange it a year later for a new model with a small surcharge. For this, there is a special program called the iPhone Upgrade Program.
What is AppleCare+?
This program also includes AppleCare+. This is an extended warranty that Consumer Reports recommends for certain consumers. This means that if your phone is damaged, you can immediately take it to Apple for repair or replacement as part of your plan. The cost of the iPhone upgrade program starts at $35 per month, depending on the phone model you choose.
For example, if you buy an iPhone 13 with 128GB of storage, it costs $40 a month. If you take advantage of Apple’s 24-month interest-free financing, the same phone without AppleCare+ will cost $33 a month. That $7/month price difference might be worth it if you want to buy a new phone every year and enjoy the benefits of extended coverage.
You can also add insurance value against theft and loss to AppleCare+. Although you have the option of purchasing cell phone insurance through a service provider, these plans usually cost more. That’s why it’s more cost-effective and convenient to use Apple’s service.
Change carrier without limits
If you buy an unlocked phone from the Apple Store, you can change the cellular carrier of your choice, even if you haven’t paid for the phone yet. However, if you buy the phone through a carrier, you’ll have to pay the entire remaining balance before you switch.
Affordability of purchase in Apple Store
In addition, a significant advantage is that you can buy an iPhone of your choice of color and storage capacity at any of the 272 Apple Stores in the U.S. or get it delivered for free. Depending on your location, you can even get two-hour (fast) shipping.
Meanwhile, other retailers may delay delivery and sometimes even put customers in line because there isn’t enough tech. In turn, the Apple Store also offers a wider range of accessories than most carrier stores.
What is cashback with Apple Card?
Using the Apple Card to pay for your purchases allows you to get maximum cashback. The Apple Card gives you 3% cashback on all purchases at Apple.
That may not be a lot of money, but every little bit helps with a big purchase like a new iPhone. Since most credit cards don’t provide extra cashback on tech purchases, 3% can get you an extra $15 or $20 in your pocket. In other words, for that money, you can buy yourself an extra case and protective glass.
What are the disadvantages of buying an iPhone directly from Apple?
One disadvantage is that you may miss out on special discounts. Unlike the Apple Store, carriers often offer time-limited promotions if you surrender your old phone, add a new line, or switch to their service.
Verizon, for example, is currently offering up to $1,000 in rebates when you surrender your phone for a trade-in and switch to an unlimited plan. In addition, the company is also offering the iPhone 11 for free when switching from another carrier or adding a new line.
T-Mobile is offering up to $1,000 off when exchanging and switching to its Magenta MAX plan. And AT&T is offering up to $800 off your bill if you turn in a qualifying smartphone.
Apple’s website lists some special offers from these carriers, but not all, so it’s worth checking with your carrier before ordering an iPhone.
Can the trade-in cost be lower than in Apple Store?
Yes, that can happen. Your current phone may be worth more if you turn it into a carrier instead of Apple. For example, an iPhone 11 in good condition costs $300 at Apple compared to $800 at T-Mobile and AT&T thanks to current promotions. In addition, you can exchange not only iPhones but also Android-based smartphones at the carriers’ stores.
Is Apple’s financing term shorter?
Apple’s interest-free financing is for 24 months. So your monthly payment may be slightly higher than with carriers with longer financing terms.
For example, T-Mobile spreads payments over 30 months, AT&T spreads payments over 36 months, and Verizon offers 24- or 30-month financing. The total retail price will be about the same regardless of where you buy, but the longer term may be a little easier on your wallet.
Should you buy iPhone directly from Apple?
Frankly, buying an unlocked iPhone directly from Apple is a good idea. You will own the smartphone right away, and you can do whatever you want with it. You won’t have to be restricted by your carrier’s rules to use your iPhone as you see fit.
In addition, the extended warranty and customer support will ensure that you can always come forward with any problem that can be solved.
For this reason, if you want to buy an iPhone quickly, with a noticeable cashback and without problems in service, it is worth doing it directly.
