AT&T has recently announced a new early upgrade program called Next Up Anytime. This program will be available starting July 16th and is priced at $10 per month, which is more expensive than AT&T’s existing $6 per month Next Up add-on. However, with Next Up Anytime, customers have the option to upgrade their smartphones as soon as just one installment payment has been made, up to three times per year.
The key benefit of the Next Up Anytime program is the flexibility it offers to customers. With AT&T’s older $6 monthly Next Up add-on, customers were eligible to trade in and upgrade their devices after paying off half of it. In contrast, the new Next Up Anytime add-on allows customers to trade in and upgrade a device after just 33 percent of it is paid off. This means that for AT&T’s 36-month installment plans, customers can upgrade after the first year while still taking advantage of discounts through upgrade promotions.
While the Next Up Anytime program provides flexibility for customers who want to upgrade their devices more frequently, there are limitations to consider. Customers who choose to upgrade “as soon as one installment payment and the first Next Up Anytime payment is made” won’t be eligible for upgrade promotions. This means that they’ll be paying the full price for a new device and are limited to three upgrades per year.
When AT&T initially launched its Next monthly fees for annual upgrades in 2013, concerns were raised about the potential costs for customers. While the flat rate of the Next Up Anytime program simplifies things, it can still be pricey for customers who regularly swap out their on-contract phones. This could lead to customers paying more in the long run for the convenience of early upgrades.
To illustrate the potential costs and benefits of the Next Up Anytime program, consider an AT&T customer who is unhappy with the lack of a telephoto lens on their current device. They could upgrade to a new device through the Next Up Anytime program, allowing them to switch to different smartphones within a short period. For instance, they could upgrade from a Google Pixel 8A to a Galaxy Z Fold 6 and then to a Google Pixel 9, followed by an iPhone 16 and a Samsung Galaxy S25. While this may seem appealing to some customers, it’s important to weigh the costs and benefits carefully before committing to multiple device upgrades within a year.
AT&T’s Next Up Anytime program offers customers more flexibility and convenience when it comes to upgrading their smartphones. However, it’s essential for customers to consider the potential costs and limitations of the program before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice to upgrade early should align with individual preferences and budget constraints.
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