We're now just days away from the September 9 launch of the iPhone 16 series, and these are sure to be very expensive phones. If you're a member of the iPhone Upgrade Program, you could get one for 'free'. Obviously, almost nothing in life is free, and certainly not smartphones, but at the very least, you might not need to spend more than you already are. Below, we'll explain what the iPhone Upgrade Program is, how it works, and whether you can use it to get an iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, or iPhone 16 Pro Max without spending an extra cent.

The iPhone Upgrade Program is a contract, much like if you bought an iPhone from a carrier, but this is offered directly by Apple. You choose your iPhone and pay it off over 20 months (in the UK) or 24 months (in the US) with 0% interest. UK customers have an additional £69 upfront cost. Once you’ve made 11 payments (in the UK) or 12 payments (in the US), you have the option to upgrade to a new iPhone. If you choose to upgrade, you trade in your current iPhone with Apple and start the program again with your new one. If not, you can continue paying off your current iPhone and keep it at the end.

The iPhone Upgrade Program is available in the US, the UK, and China. However, the specifics—such as costs and program duration—vary slightly from place to place. Where things differ, we’ve noted the different terms in the US and the UK. Currently, you can only get iPhone 15 models through the iPhone Upgrade Program, which includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. If you want an older or lower-end model, this program isn't for you. Once the iPhone 16 line launches, we expect the iPhone 15 line to be replaced by the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The monthly cost you’ll pay will depend on the model and its storage capacity. While we don’t know the iPhone 16 pricing yet, the iPhone 15 costs from $39.50 / £42.95 per month on this program, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at $58.25 / £65.45 per month. iPhone 16 pre-orders haven’t opened yet, but based on past form, we predict they will happen on Friday, September 13. It's likely you will be able to pre-order one of Apple's new phones through the iPhone Upgrade Program, as with previous models.

Additionally, the iPhone Upgrade Program includes AppleCare+. This provides accidental damage protection, allowing you to get your iPhone repaired for free (other than an excess) an unlimited number of times if it’s damaged accidentally. AppleCare+ also provides battery service, access to an 'Express Replacement Service', and 24/7 priority access to Apple experts. You can also add theft and loss protection, although this costs extra.

In the US, you can sign up for the iPhone Upgrade Program online, in an Apple Store, or via the Apple Store app. In the UK, you can only sign up at a physical Apple Store, though you can reserve an iPhone online for pickup at a store and enroll when you collect it. Other things to note: when you get a new iPhone through the program, you can connect it to your existing carrier with no changes to your current plan, as your contract is with Apple, not a network carrier.

Apple carries out a credit check when you apply for the iPhone Upgrade Program, so depending on your credit rating, there’s a chance you’ll be refused. While you must pay a certain amount before you’re eligible to upgrade, you can upgrade early by paying the remaining required balance at the time of the upgrade.