What is AT&T Next Up? Upgrade Process Explained

In the ever-evolving world of technology, staying up to date with the latest gadgets and devices is essential. This is where AT&T Next Up comes into play, offering a convenient and flexible way to keep your tech game strong. In this article, we will delve into what AT&T Next Up is, how the device upgrade procedure works, and why it’s a smart choice for tech enthusiasts.

What is AT&T Next Up?

“AT&T Next Up” is not just a catchy name; it’s a game-changer in the world of device upgrade plans. It’s a program designed to cater to the needs of those who crave the latest smartphones and devices without the hassle of long-term commitments.

According to AT&T, AT&T Next Up allows customers to get the latest devices sooner and more conveniently. It enables you to upgrade your device more frequently, ensuring you’re always on the cutting edge of technology. With this program, you can enjoy the benefits of a new device without waiting for your contract to expire.

Next Up Device Upgrade Procedure

Now that we’ve established what AT&T Next Up is, let’s explore how the device upgrade procedure works:

1. Enrollment: To get started with AT&T Next Up, you need to enroll in the program. You can do this when you purchase a new smartphone or tablet.
2. Monthly Payments: Instead of paying for your device upfront, AT&T Next Up allows you to spread the cost over a series of manageable monthly payments. This makes it more budget-friendly for customers.
3. Upgrade Eligibility: With AT&T Next Up, you become eligible for an upgrade once you’ve paid off 50% of your device’s cost. This means you can get a new device approximately every 12 to 18 months, depending on your payment plan.
4. Trade-In Option: When you’re ready for an upgrade, you can choose to trade in your current device. AT&T offers trade-in deals, making it even more affordable to switch to the latest technology.
5. Upgrade Process: When you’re eligible for an upgrade, you can visit an AT&T store or go online to select your new device. The cost of the new device is added to your existing installment plan.
6. Enjoy Your New Device: Once you’ve completed the upgrade process, you can start enjoying your new device with the latest features and capabilities.
7. Monthly Payments Continue: Your monthly payments will continue, but they will now be based on the cost of your new device.

AT&T Next Up offers flexibility and convenience by giving you the option to keep up with the fast-paced world of technology without breaking the bank.

Why Choose AT&T Next Up?

Choosing AT&T Next Up comes with several advantages:

• Frequent Upgrades: If you’re a tech enthusiast who loves having the latest gadgets, AT&T Next Up allows you to upgrade more frequently, ensuring you’re always ahead of the curve.
• No More Waiting: Say goodbye to the long waiting periods associated with traditional contract plans. AT&T Next Up lets you upgrade as soon as you’re eligible, typically within a year or so.
• Budget-Friendly: The monthly payment structure makes it easier to manage your device expenses, spreading the cost over time.
• Trade-In Value: By trading in your old device, you can offset the cost of your new one, making it an economical choice.

AT&T INSTALLMENT PLAN:

Subject to credit approval. Avail. in select locations only. Plans subject to change and may be discontinued at any time. For smartphones only. Tax on sales price due at sale. Credit card may be req’d (except MA, PA, ND). Requires 0% APR 36-month installment agreement and eligible service. A 30-month installment term may be available for a limited time in select locations. Divides sales price (less any down payment) into roughly equal monthly installments. 

$0 down: Well-qualified customers only. Limit as low as 1 smartphone at $0 down. Down payment: May be required and depends on a variety of factors. Down payment, if required, will be either 15% to 80% of device cost or a dollar amount currently ranging from $200 to $1400 (amount subject to change and may be higher).

Examples (amounts approximate): $1099.99 sales price with $0 down is $30.56 per month; with $330 down (30%) is $21.39 per month; or with $600 down is $13.89 per month for 36 months. 

AT&T Installment Plan with Next Up: Price includes monthly smartphone installment payment and separate additional $6/month Next Up upgrade feature charge to be upgrade eligible when 50% of device cost of the financed device is paid off and with turn in of financed device.

Upgrade requires a minimum of 30-90 days on installment depending on credit and other factors (subject to change), account in good standing, turn in of financed device in good physical and fully functional condition through the AT&T Next Up early upgrade program (excludes trade in program where you receive an instant credit or AT&T promotion card) and purchase of new eligible smartphone on eligible installment agreement with qualified wireless service.

After upgrade, unbilled installments are waived. Next Up $6 monthly payments do not apply toward financed device cost balance, are non-refundable and may be canceled at any time resulting in waiver of right to turn in and upgrade during current installment agreement term. See att.com/next and your Retail Installment Agreement for full details. 

Service: Eligible postpaid voice and data service is required and extra. Consumers: minimum $50 per month after AutoPay and Paperless billing discount for new customers. Pay $60 per month until discount starts within 2 bills. Existing customers can add to eligible current post-paid plans which may be less.

Business customers: minimum $50 per month for new customers on Mobile Share Plus for Business after AutoPay discount. Pay $60 per month until discount starts within 2 bills. Other qual. plans avail. & existing customers can add to eligible current plans which may be less. If service cancelled, remaining device cost balance is due. Activation or upgrade fee due at sale or billed: $35. Restocking Fee: Up to $55. Limits: Purchase limit applies. Eligibility, device, line and financing limits & other restr’s apply. 

AT&T Next Up Terms & Conditions

You’ll need to:

• Maintain eligible postpaid unlimited voice & data wireless service (min. $75/mo. for new unlimited customers before discounts). AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy.  Other eligible plans available based on account type.
• Pay at least 50% of the installment agreement on your current device and complete a Next Up Early Upgrade.
• Purchase an offer-eligible smartphone on a qualifying installment agreement, including taxes on full retail price (up front) and $35 upgrade fee.
• Upgrade an existing line and turn in current financed device in good physical and fully functional condition through the AT&T Next Up early upgrade program.
• Customers with legacy AT&T Next plans (AT&T Next Every Year) do not qualify. Customers may qualify for multiple qual. purchases and one credit per line with upgrade of each Next Up and eligible device Turn In.

Then you’ll get:

• Up to $350 or $500 in bill credits, depending on the device purchased (see below).

Important notes:

• Credits start within 3 bills after trade-in is completed and will be applied in equal amounts over the term of installment agreement. You will receive catch-up credits once bill credits start. Credit will not exceed the lower of the device cost or the max credit amount as defined above.
• Next Up device turn-in is not required for credits, however, if Next Up device is not turned-in, you will be billed for the remaining balance on that device.
• If you purchase your new device in person (non-Direct Fulfill), you will need to Turn In your existing Next Up device during the transaction. There is no option to Turn In at a later time.
• If you purchase online, you must Turn In your existing Next Up device by mailing it to AT&T with the prepaid shipping label included in your new phone delivery.  AT&T must receive your existing Next Up device within 30 days after the date that AT&T ships your new device or you will be billed for the remaining balance on your existing installment agreement. AT&T strongly recommends that you ship your existing Next Up device within 14 days to account for the risk of unforeseen delays.
• If your device is turned in but is not in good physical and fully functioning condition, customer will be billed for remaining balance on that device less a credit for the value of that device.
• If you cancel wireless service, your credits will end and you’ll owe the balance of up to $1980 based on device purchased.

See additional terms

Qualifying Installment Plan:

• Requires a qualifying 0% APR AT&T installment plan (36-mo. term from $20.56/mo. up to $55/mo. based on device purchased.) Other installment options may be available and vary by location. 
• $0 down for well-qualified customers only, or down payment may be required and depends on a variety of factors.

Eligible Purchased Smartphones (max credit $350):

• Google Pixel 7 128GB ($740), 256GB ($840)
• iPhone 14 128GB ($800), 256GB ($900), 512GB ($1100)
• iPhone 14 Plus 128GB ($900), 256GB ($1000), 512GB ($1200)
• iPhone 14 Pro 128GB ($1000), 256GB ($1100), 512GB ($1300), 1TB ($1500)
• iPhone 14 Pro Max 128GB ($1100), 256GB ($1200), 512GB ($1400), 1TB ($1600)
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 256GB ($1000), 512GB ($1120)
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 256GB ($1800), 512GB ($1920)
• Samsung Galaxy S23 128GB ($800), 256GB ($860)
• Samsung Galaxy S23+ 256GB ($1000), 512GB ($1120) 
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 256GB ($1200), 512GB ($1380)

Eligible Purchased Smartphones (max credit $500):

• Google Pixel Fold 256GB ($1880), 512GB ($1980)

Eligible Customers:

• AT&T post-paid wireless customers and verified FirstNet Subscriber Paid Users on FirstNet and Family.

FirstNet Subscriber Paid User Eligibility:

• Eligible & verified employees/volunteers of qual. public safety entities or entities that contribute, enable, or support public safety services to first responders and whose duties are directly related to such services. New subscribers must qualify for FirstNet service and complete verification process w/in 30 days. Check elig. at firstnet.com/eligibility. 
• Req’s FirstNet-Capable device provisioned with a FirstNet Trio SIM or eSIM card.
• You’ll need a qualified voice & data wireless plan (minimum $28.50/mo. for FirstNet plans.)
• Max of 4 lines (1 smartphone, 1 tablet, 1 wearable, 1 connected device) per elig. FirstNet Subscriber Paid User.  
• Account subj. to periodic re-verification. 
• If you are not a valid Subscriber Paid User or exceed the single line limit for each type of device, AT&T may suspend, change or terminate your FirstNet svc. For additional info. see firstnet.com/firstnetandfamily.

FirstNet Agency Paid customers:

• Avail. to verified Public Safety Entities with a FirstNet Serv. Agmt (Business Agmt) and only for Agency Paid User lines of serv. Subject to availability. Not available in all sales channels.New subscribers must qualify for FirstNet service and complete the verification process w/in 30 days. Device must use a FirstNet SIM. Check eligible at firstnet.com/eligibility.
• As long as you have a qualified Business Agreement for Corporate Responsibility User line of service, you can also buy on an Equipment Installment Plan (24-mo. from $30.84/mo. up to $82.50/mo.; 30-mo from $24.67/mo. up to $66/mo.; or 36-mo. from $20.56/mo. up to $55/mo.; based on device purchased); credits are applied over term of installment plan.
• You’ll need a qualified voice & data wireless plan (minimum $28.50/mo. for new FirstNet Mobile-Pooled plan.).

Business customers:

• As long as you have a qualified Business Agreement for Corporate Responsibility User line of service, you can also buy on an Equipment Installment Plan (24-mo. from $30.84/mo. up to $82.50/mo.; 30-mo from $24.67/mo. up to $66/mo.; or 36-mo. from $20.56/mo. up to $55/mo.; based on device purchased); credits are applied over term of installment plan.
• You’ll need a qualified voice & data wireless plan (minimum $60/mo. for new AT&T Mobile Share Plus for Business plan before discount).
• Activation fee waived for business accounts.

Additional terms:

• See att.com/unlimited for current unlimited plans. Value Plus plan is not eligible. Retired unlimited plans may also qualify (excluding prepaid, session-based, and Data Unlimited at $45/mo. plans). Speed, usage & other restr’s apply. For plans available to business customers, see https://www.business.att.com/categories/mobile-rate-plans.html.
• The device that the customer turns in must be the IMEI that they currently have on the AT&T Next Up plan and must meet any other terms under the AT&T Next Up program.
• To qualify for bill credits, wireless line must be on an installment agreement, and remain active & in good standing for 30 days.
• Installment agreement starts when device is shipped.
• To get all the credits, the discounted device must remain on installment agreement and you must keep eligible service for entire installment term.
• If you upgrade or pay up/off the installment agreement on the discounted device early, your credits may cease.
• You have 14 days (30 days for FirstNet Agency Paid customers and business customers) to exchange or return the smartphone; a restocking fee of up to $55 may apply.
• Pricing, promotions, programming, terms & restrictions subject to change & may be modified or terminated at any time without notice.

In summary, AT&T Next Up is a forward-thinking program that caters to the needs of tech enthusiasts and those who want to stay connected with the latest devices. With its flexible upgrade options and budget-friendly approach, it’s a smart choice for anyone looking to embrace the future of technology.