Can I Upgrade My iPhone Early?

Do you need the latest iPhone? Since its launch in October 2011, a number of providers have launched contract deals that cater to a variety of individual needs. Indeed, signing up for a contract is by far the most cost–effective option for getting an iPhone 4S if you don't have the money to buy the phone directly from Apple. And when it comes to saving on contract deals, the key is to get out as early as possible, as iPhone contracts are usually more expensive than their non iPhone counterparts.

Recycle Programs | O2 Upgrades | Orange Upgrades | Vodafone Upgrades | 3 Mobile Upgrades

Signing up for a 12–month contract works out cheaper overall, and gives you the freedom to switch sooner, but comes with a hefty upfront cost. If you are unable to front the cash all at once, then you may be able to get a longer contract. A longer contract means lower upfront costs. However, you should also look at the overall value and focus on the tariff. It's crucial to analyze how many minutes, texts and data you're likely to use to get the right tariff. Aim to match your usage to the free allocation. Get too much free and you're overpaying on the contract, too little and the over–quota is costly. If you're new to smartphone, expect to use much more data than previously.

If you want an iPhone 4S 16GB but haven't got the cash to pay for it upfront, you can spread the cost of the handset over a contract. The cheapest "no upfront cost" deals vary, so check here for the latest offers. www.iphoneprices.uk/iphonedeals

If you already own an iPhone on contract and want to upgrade early, you can.

Apple Store Upgrade

Pre–owned sales have soared with the ever in creasing costs of new tech. Amazon, Best–Buy and Apple Stores in the UK will buy you're your old device. Apple will give you a store card in exchange for you iPhone. The going rate is lower than you can get, if you were to try and sell it yourself for a fixed money. Apple Store sell sim–free & locked iPhones. You can walk in the store and pick an O2, Orange, T–Mobile, 3 and Vodafone connection there and then.

Recycle Programs
What are they worth unlocked (not jailbroken) contract / sim free

• iPhone 3GS 16GB £140–£200
• iPhone 4 16GB £230–£260
• iPhone 4S 16GB £320 – £400

Evaluation assessments vary, ideally your old handset must be fully functional with no damage or water damage to get the recycle prices quoted here. 29/02/2012

Can you upgrade? What's on offer to keep valuable customers theses days? Read on and find out...

All Pay Monthly O2 customers are part of O2 Rewards and everyone has an opportunity to upgrade early. Have a look at the table below to see how soon you will eligible for an upgrade or check the My O2 app.

If you're a Platinum customer... get a 6 month early upgrade
If you're a Gold customer... get a 3 month early upgrade
If you're a Silver or Blue customer... get a 1 month early upgrade
O2 Simplicity Customers can upgrade 30 days before the end of their contract.

What are the customer differences Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Blue? It all depends on the yearly usage spend, as pounds spent puts you on the different customer tier. If you're an O2 Platinum customer then you can upgrade 6 months before the contract end date and if you're our Gold customer then you can upgrade 3 months before the contract end date. Blue and sliver customer can upgrade a month before the contract end date. Simplicity means O2 only give you the sim and you can use it as per O2 tariffs. Meaning someone who has been on simplicity for two years and wants to upgrade, what rewards will you have earned for staying on O2? NONE

Behind the headlines, actually the only way to exit O2 early would be to buy out of the full contract early utilizing your teir allowance. The upgrade deals will be same for Platinum, Gold & Silver customers.

With Orange, pay monthly customers don't have to wait to get the latest phone. So there is no need to wait for a new phone to get released before purchaing your first smartphone. You can upgrade with ease...With Early Upgrade, you can now upgrade while you're still in contract. This month Orange have a great deal on upgrades!
Get a 10% discount on your line rental when you renew your contract
You choose the phone you want.
To say thanks for being an Orange customer, we give you a 33% discount on your remaining monthly payments. And to get some money back, just recycle your old phone with Orange Recycle & Reward
You get your new phone and start your new plan.

Looks too good to be true? What does it all mean? Here's the lowdown on upgrading on Orange if for example you take out a 24 month iPhone 4s contract and want a shiny new iPhone 6 before your contract ends...

In reality you have to honour your pay monthly contract. But, you can upgrade early. You must be at least half way through before being allowed an early upgrade.

Terms: 30% off for early buyout.

Orange rewards loyalty bonus – zilch

Despite hearing you accrue loyalty as an Orange customer , Apple won't let you use it against a newer iPhone. No deals against Orange iPhones upgrades full stop.

As an Orange customer you rewards would be better going against a Samsung Gaxaxy 2 – voted the best phone in the World Currently. Another upcoming great handset is the HTC Sensation. You can get a big discount from your Orange rewards against both smarphones. The upfont cost is waivered normally on dearer plans, making it worth around £99 discount for someone upgrading after two years on Orange.

If you order online you have two weeks to try out your new handsets before the point of no turning back on your contract kicks in for the full duration.

If you buy an iPhone 4s on contract you cannot upgrade in the first six months if an iPhone 5 or iPhone 6 comes along in the meantime. Early upgrade charges depend on time remaining. Three view this as a breach of contract but its permissible providing you pay off the reaming balance. To buy your way out of a contract early you get a 3% discount *standard*. For loyal customers who are in their second 3 Mobile contract you get a whopping 10% discount.

Lastly, Vodafone, you must be in the last 90 days of your contract to upgrade your phone.

Now you see, early upgrades are an expensive hobby. but if you have to have it now and can't wait, then go for an upgrade.

The handset makes no difference, so a Samsung Galaxy upgrade to iPhone or vice versa makes no difference.

Short or Long Contract? So before you upgrade ask yourself – am I likely to still want this phone in 12 months, 18 or 24 months before signing up for a new contract.