If you love tech and always want the latest smartphones, AT&T’s Next Up Anytime might be the perfect option for you. Imagine upgrading your phone every year without worrying about paying off the full balance. Sound too good to be true? Let’s break it down and see if it’s really worth it.
What Is AT&T Next Up Anytime?
The AT&T Next Up Anytime program gives you the flexibility to upgrade to a new smartphone early—up to three times a year.
Here's how Next Up Anytime works for AT&T customers:
Finance Your New Device: Find yourself a new smartphone and agree to pay for it on an installment plan.
Add the Next Up Anytime feature at checkout for an extra $10/month when you buy your device.
Upgrade Early: When you’re ready for a new phone, you can upgrade after paying off just one-third of your current phone’s balance. You don’t need to pay off the rest.
Trade In Your Old Device: Once you upgrade, simply trade in your old phone to AT&T and pay less or nothing out of pocket.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison between the standard AT&T Installment Plan and AT&T Next Up Anytime:
Plan Feature | AT&T Installment Plan | With AT&T Next Up Anytime |
Retail price | $1,199.99 | $1,199.99 |
Monthly payment | $33.34/mo. (0% APR for 36 months)* | $33.34/mo. + $10/mo. Next Up Anytime |
Upgrade eligibility | When 100% of the device is paid off: $1,199.99 | After paying off one-third of the device ($399.99) |
When can I upgrade? | After 36 months (full payment) | After one installment ($43.34) |
Eligible for AT&T smartphone deals? | After paying off the full device cost ($1,199.99) | Every year when one-third of the device is paid off ($399.99) |
Is AT&T Next Up Anytime Worth It?
Next Up Anytime offers convenience, but that $10/month fee can add up. Here are a few things to consider before opting in:
Early Upgrades: If you genuinely love having the latest tech and upgrade your phone every year, this program could save you money by avoiding hefty upfront costs.
Trade-In Requirement: You must trade in your current device when upgrading, which could impact resale value if you prefer selling your old phone yourself. See what your device could be worth in this AT&T trade-in calculator
Limited Upgrades: You can upgrade up to three times per year, which is a nice perk, but keep in mind the restrictions.
What’s the Catch?
Although Next Up Anytime sounds like a no-brainer for early adopters, there are a few catches:
$10/month Fee: You’ll pay an extra $10/month on top of your installment plan, which means over the course of a year, you're paying an extra $120. Don't forget, you're also paying for your AT&T unlimited plan to actually have service.
Device Eligibility: Not every phone qualifies for this program. Make sure your phone is eligible for Next Up Anytime before signing up.
One-Third Balance Payoff: You must pay off at least one-third of your device balance before you can upgrade. Depending on your plan, this could still feel pricey.
Should You Sign Up for Next Up Anytime?
If you like the idea of always having the latest phone, Next Up Anytime could be a great fit. However, it’s important to weigh the monthly fee and the fact that you’ll need to trade in your current device. For frequent upgraders, this program offers flexibility and convenience, but for others, the cost might outweigh the benefits.
Get the latest iPhone every year with AT&T Next Up Anytime
Want to have the latest iPhone every year? Stay ahead of the pack. With AT&T Next Up Anytime, you can upgrade to the latest iPhone every year without waiting for your current plan to end. Stay tuned for our next article, where we’ll break down how to get the iPhone 16 Pro for free with AT&T’s best trade-in offers and deals.
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