Here’s how to get pre-approved for the iPhone Upgrade Program

Image: ray wong/mashable

Apple is continuing to give iPhone Upgrade Program members the deluxe treatment.

Members can get pre-approved for the iPhone XS and XS Max right now. This pre-reservation process launched last year, and it makes pre-ordering new Apple devices incredibly easily. 

If you want to be among the first to receive the new iPhones, you must be pre-approved by 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET) on Thursday, Sept. 13. Apple will close the pre-approval window at this time.

Open up the Apple Store app

Image: screenshot by jake krol/mashable

If you’re already an iPhone Upgrade Program member, upon opening the Apple Store app, you’ll see a window at the top saying “Get a head start on your upgrade.” The first step is to click that, and you’ll then see the same steps as years past.

• Confirm your upgrade eligibility

• Choose your preferred iPhone

• Get pre-approved for your iPhone Upgrade Program Loan

Next, it will show your current iPhone, and will let you pick your new iPhone. Be sure to choose the correct model you want. When it comes time to place the order, the app will walk you through a menu where you can choose your next phone. You’re also going to go through the loan approval process, and then you’ll finally be approved for a new iPhone.

Image: screenshot by jake krol/mashable

AppleCare is a little different this year

In years past, Apple has included the price of its extended warranty program, AppleCare+, in the cost of the iPhone Upgrade Program’s monthly payment. This year is a little different. Now, customers can pay for the new AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss warranty program for an additional $4.17 per month.

The extra cost is completely worth it, and we’d strongly recommend it to anyone who’s a part of the program. Customers in the past have complained that standard AppleCare+ did not cover stolen or lost devices. Finally, this year, Apple has addressed that concern (for an extra fee, of course). The minuscule price increase is so small, we’d be crazy not to recommend it.

Confirm your information

If you’re already enrolled in the iPhone Upgrade Program, it will pre-populate your information and have you confirm it. You’ll also be prompted to enter your carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, or Verizon), including the pin or password for the account. 

If you’re new to the program, it will have you fill out all this information, and you’ll also have to link your iPhone Upgrade Program account to your carrier.

Once the information is confirmed, it will show you the loan, and have you agree to all the information. If you’re already in the program, this should be familiar. The amount might differ depending on the phone you choose.

You will then enter your Social Security Number to confirm your identity, and the app will run a quick credit check. If your finances are in order, you’ll be approved for the loan.

Pre-order waiting game continues

Image: screenshot by jake krol/mashable

After all of this, as long as the app says you’re approved, you’re set to receive your iPhone at the earliest possible time for iPhone Upgrade Program members. At 12 a.m. PT (3 a.m. ET) on Sept. 14, open the Apple Store app again, and click the box at the top.

The message will change to one that prompts you to complete your order, you can choose whether to have your phone shipped to you, or whether you’d prefer to pick it up at a local Apple Store.

Keep in mind that if you’re a recurring member, you will need to hand your old iPhone in. That’s part of how this program works. If you choose to get your iPhone shipped to you, Apple will include a return box for your old iPhone.

Keep in mind that Apple closes the ability to get pre-approved at 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET) on Sept. 13, so make sure to get it done!

Best of luck pre-ordering your iPhone XS or XS Max. We hope you’re as excited as we are!