AT&T has recently announced its new early upgrade program called Next Up Anytime, which will be available starting July 16th. Priced at $10 per month, this new add-on allows customers to upgrade their smartphones after just one installment payment has been made, up to three times per year. This is a significant change from AT&T’s existing $6 per month Next Up add-on, which requires customers to pay off half of their device before being eligible for an upgrade.
While the flexibility of upgrading more frequently may be appealing to some customers, the $10 monthly fee can add up quickly. For those who prefer to have the latest device as soon as it’s released, Next Up Anytime might be worth the cost. However, for others who are content with their current device for a longer period, this program may not be the best option.
Comparing Next Up Anytime to Previous Plans
When AT&T first introduced its Next monthly fees for annual upgrades in 2013, there were concerns about the potential for these plans to become expensive due to the sliding scale of installment fees. The new flat rate of Next Up Anytime simplifies things, but customers should still carefully consider whether the cost is justified for their upgrade habits.
Example Scenario
Consider a hypothetical AT&T customer who purchased a Google Pixel 8A in May and is dissatisfied with the lack of a telephoto lens. With Next Up Anytime, they could upgrade to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in August, followed by the Google Pixel 9, iPhone 16, and Samsung Galaxy S25 in the subsequent months. While this frequent upgrading may seem appealing, customers should weigh the benefits against the added expense.
AT&T’s Next Up Anytime program offers a new option for customers who want to upgrade their smartphones more frequently. However, the $10 monthly fee and limitations on upgrade promotions may deter some customers from taking advantage of this program. It ultimately comes down to individual preferences and priorities when it comes to upgrading devices. Customers should carefully evaluate whether the convenience of early upgrades is worth the added cost in the long run.
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