How-to: check your iPhone 4 upgrade eligibility
By Chris Ziegler 
posted June 8th 2010 2:25PM
posted June 8th 2010 2:25PM
posted June 8th 2010 2:25PM
A look back on popular stories from today in a specific year.
Now that we've thrown 'em off the trail, use the form below to get in touch with the people at Engadget. Please fill in all of the required fields because they're required.
OHHHHHH, Hello...
@potretr
Sales of vaseline and KY jelly will no doubt sky-rocket as the operators once again get ready to shaft the consumer.
@potretr
Wow, I'm eligible and I just renewed last July, when I picked up the 3GS.
@potretr
The best part of this is that I'm selling my 3GS for 350 dollars which is 50 more than I paid for it. Works for upgrading for free it feels like every year. You wouldn't be able to do that with other types of phones.
@VAGRANT yea i'm surprised i'm eligible too.. I bought the 3G last March, my upgrade date was originally november 2010, but i'm good to go now! :D
@Sam of the Sun
You should buy plenty.
@VAGRANT
btw this isn't iphone specific, it works no matter what phone you're coming from or going to.
@potretr
How about listening the to voicemails? lol
@potretr
These things will FLY off the shelves if this pans out...
If only AT&T would get better service..
Hahaha, who am I kidding? The day they get better service is the day world peace is declared.
@potretr
Is there a way it can tell me if I'm qualified to upgrade to an EVO 4G???
http://www.epinions.com/content_513931382404
I just called *639# and received a message saying that I'm eligible for the upgrade but must pay the $18 upgrade fee (not waived as shown in photo).
@potretr
I just dialed the number and It told me I could upgrade without the $18 fee (same message above).
But I'm thinking about the EVO.
@VAGRANT
So you got the 3GS the first month that it came out?
@potretr
Everyone with a 3GS is NOT eligible. I got my 3GS the first day it came out and I won't be eligible until 6 months after the 4 comes out...
@The Advanced Kind I picked up a 3GS on launch day as well and like you I'm not eligible either :-( Does anyone know what the total cost would be to upgrade to a iPhone 4 32GB for us? Could I just upgrade my wife's account (1st gen iphone) and then "cut" and swap the sim cards and give her my 3GS? would this work?
@EagleyeSmith
I got it this Christmas and I'm eligible? That's odd. Oh well!
@SARDOG
That's weird your not eligable. I bought the 3GS as an upgrade to my original iPhone on day one. I also get the 18 dollar upgrade fee waved. I have been with AT&T since 2004 though.
The price of the phone is 699 for the 32GB. As for upgrading your wifes line I would think you would be able to. I would talk to AT&T to make sure.
@potretr Now the bubba is Do they still let you return the phone and cancel the 2 yr contract in 14 days like a new customer if you are eligible for an upgrade?
@Sam of the Sun All these Iphone users are happly giving up there unlimited data plans
@potretr
Do any of you know the answer to this question? ATTENTION. I have two lines that were BOTH opened with AT&T for the first time in December. It says I can upgrade NOW for the FULL discount price? BUT only one? Not the other? Both are iPhones?
@The Advanced Kind
I got my 3GS the weekend it came out (not that Friday) and I am eligible. Maybe cause I got the 2G two weeks after it came out and I've used ATT for 3 years now. If I can sell my 3GS for $200, why not upgrade? It'd essentially be free. I sold my 2G for $175 so this basically cost nothing.
@deemoots
Not true. If we hurry.
@zerotwone If you get "an a $18 upgrade fee" that means you still get the iphone for 200 or 300 dollars. It's the same deal as in the post image but just $18 dollars more.
@SARDOG I don't know why you aren't eligible.. I got my 3GS on the first day as well and I am eligible for the upgrade.
@Jdubcsu I got a message that didn't make a bit of sense.
A full discount on a standard handset or iPhone upgrade is not available at this time but you may qualify on 05/18/2011. We can offer you a discounted iPhone upgrade at a higher price with a 2-yr commitment and an $18 upgrade fee.
A discounted iPhone upgrade at a higher price? That makes no sense. Discount and higher price don't go together!
@Happy
All that means is that they will offer you the iPhone at an early upgrade price. Add 200 dollars to each phones retail price so 399 or 499.
@The Advanced Kind
This is not true. I have a 3GS and get to upgrade with the fee waved.
@potretr I renewed my contract and got a 3GS in november and I'm eligible ..
@Jdubcsu Thanks. It sucks I have to wait till next year. By that time a new iPhone will be out.
and this is news?
@TheEdge Yes.
@Nilay Patel
Boy, this gave a whole new meaning to the phrase, "Sticking it to the Edge" :P
@TheEdge
Considering it means AT&T is letting me out of my 2 year contract ~6 months early, it damn well is news.
@Nilay Patel actually, it's not, considering this tool has been around for a while. i also don't know why you didn't tell people that it's not iphone specific (none of these are):
http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/basics/choosing-features-services/starservices.jsp
while a useful post (since not many people know how to do this), it's not news.
@TheEdge I found this topic helpful. iPhone 4 can't come soon enough!
Correction: it's not news to you. Doesn't mean it's not useful to the rest of us.
Damm.. Wish the UK networks were this clear, so far all I've been able to do is sign up for an email notification.
When the heck are we going to get a discount for being loyal customers?
The average Joe signs up and pays the same thing. Wait, we have to pay an additional $18 processing fee. Christ.
@Don Corleone You got a discount when you signed up, did you not? I don't understand people like you who feel they are entitled to new phones every year. YOU signed the contract. YOU agreed to take a discount (sold BELOW COST) on a new phone in exchange for a contract.
People like you are NEVER happy. You think the world is owed to you? Why aren't you clamoring for a new TV from your TV provider? Or a new computer from your internet provider? Why are cell phones the only thing people demand in exchange for service?
@Axtell
I've had my phone for 3 years, Axhole, and yes, I feel entitled to a discount in light of AT&T's stellar service.
@Axtell Because cell phones are exorbitantly priced? This phone costs under 200 to make (maybe, but definitely under 300.) and the sell it outright for 699. That's outrageous. And it's not just apple that does this. the Droid costs 185 to manufacture and sells outright for north of 550. Phones in general are a massive rip off. And it isn't just smartphones. A samsung gravity 2 is still 180 off contract and I'm pretty sure they cost under 60 bucks to make.
@Axtell
Come to think of it.. I would love it if my cable company gave out discounted upgradeable HDTVs.
@Don Corleone
Just checked my phone and apparently I have to pay AT&T an extra $18 fee so that I can spend an extra $25 a month on their service by upgrading my current non data plan. Awesome!
@Axtell You made me smile with this :-)
@Axtell you mean if i'm with a provider for 10 years, it's ridiculous to think i might get some kind of extra discount? it's not, and you didn't need to be such a d-bag in your reply.
@ChaosGoat ProTip: The costs estimates for the device are for materials and manufacturing labour.
There's that whole research and development thing you don't account for in your calculations. Also add 30%-45% margin.
@Axtell
how exactly would an ISP be responsible for a new computer? Just wondering. Also, Sprint is probably the best company for early upgrades. Apple and AT&T try to hard to corner the market. When in actuality the Androids are the phone to have. I have an iPhone and can't wait to complete my cycle with this phone. You are right about entitlement point. Everyone signs a contract indicating said time frame of goods and services. Then epxects to get a free ride. Here's a tip: add a line, activate a new iPhone plan, suspend your current iPhone plan for $5 a month, and when the contract period is up then terminate the old iPhone line. Works every time.
@Don Corleone
From AT&T's site: "Service Cancellation & Early Termination Fee:
Call the number on your invoice/receipt to cancel your service. You may cancel service within 30 days from the activation date to avoid the applicable early termination fee (the "Early Termination Fee" or "ETF").
You mean to tell me that you only noticed their "stellar" service after the 30 days? Doubt it. I'm willing to bet you were one of many who were willing to sacrifice good service for a cool phone...and now here you are...
@ChaosGoat
Do those figures involve the costs of running the various companies?
@Don Corleone
A german netshop prices the unsubsidized iPhone at €1199. That's $1440! And you are complaining that you don't get a good enough discount?