Upgrade Your iPhone Every 12 Months with AT&T
Submitted by Frank Macey on
The announcement of T-Mobile's Jump device upgrade program has made some waves in the wireless market. Now AT&T has launched Next, which promises to allow smartphone and tablet owners to get an annual upgrade. For the most part, iPhones are now subsidized by AT&T in exchange for a two-year contract.

The subscriber pays $200 up front for the 16 GB iPhone 5, contributing to the purchase price. When it's time to upgrade, the old device is owned by the customer and the process starts all over again. AT&T Next operates differently. Participants in the program will pay monthly installments to cover the cost of the phone. There is no down payment at the beginning of service.