Why Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program Is Causing Major Headaches on iPhone 7’s Launch Day
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Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program is getting some complaints on the iPhone 7’s launch day, new reports say.
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus became available for preorder at midnight this morning. But some people enrolled in the iPhone Upgrade Program were unable to select the model, color or storage capacity they wanted due to limited stock as soon as orders opened. Even customers who went to preorder the new device exactly at 12:01 a.m. found certain models and variations “out of stock,” according to MacRumors.
The problem lay in the fact that iPhone Upgrade Program members — unlike customers who ordered the phone from a carrier or retailer — were plugged into a different portal, which forced them to set up a Genius Bar appointment to swap devices. The problem is that many versions of the new device were already sold out at Apple retail locations, according to AppleInsider.
Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program, which was introduced last year, is a way for customers to upgrade to a new iPhone each year — as long as they have made at least 12 payments toward their current smartphone. So today’s limited stock might be disheartening to some members who thought they’d be getting a new phone on launch day.
According to AppleInsider, however, some Apple store’s stocks are being specifically reserved for Upgrade Program members. The stock will reportedly be held for several days — depending on the retail location in question — after which members of the program will be given normal retail stocks of the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus on a first-come, first-served basis.
But today’s launch woes have certainly caused inconvenience and headaches for Upgrade Program members. According to most sources, if you’re looking for a specific color, capacity or carrier, you might just have to wait it out.
Apple’s in-store pickup system will resume on Sept. 17 in the US. Apple retail stores will be getting shipments of the new flagship every day, so walk-in purchases are still an option.
In the meantime, patience might just the best virtue here.
