I’m in a similar situation. I am not sure I want to continue with this AT&T “huge credit enticing upgrade” where they would get me 1,000 credit from trading in my iPhone 12. I did this a while back with an iPhone SE and traded it in, then after I paid off the phone I had traded up to, the credits stopped… Even though I paid off their phone. It’s a sneaky way of them keeping you or then screwing you.
That being said, my plan is to purchase the IP13PMax from apple direct, looking for one to pop in my local store via app. and trade in my 12 for 530.00 in store. That would put me at 23/month with a 2 year payment plan and no commitment. Whereas ATT wants my phone, charges me 2.78/month for the IP13Pm 128GB but ensures I stay with it for 36 months, by then my 13PM would lose more value.
Do I need to pay off the iphone 12 first On ATT? I see on Apple Store it allows me to purchase the iphone via citizens/apple card and gives me a heads up that I can purchase the phone with the trade in credit but will need to pay the 538.00 left on my phone to AT&T anyway. Can I turn in the phone at apple and then do the paying off? Thought is, if I don’t find one etc. or change my mind, I rather get the monthly credits if not…
Sorry for lengthy ?