When customers who participate in the iPhone Upgrade Program went to pre-order an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, they were forced to reserve a device from a local Apple retail store rather than being able to make a traditional online purchase. Many retail stores did **t have sufficient stock to meet demand, leaving some customers unable to select the model, color, or storage capacity they desired.
But, the Lawsuit alleges, iPhone Upgrade Program customers, unlike every other customer, were shut out from reserving the most in-demand phone models and colors.
These customers are unable to "get in line" to reserve their favored devices. Instead, they are told to simply "check back." In the meantime, they will continue to be required to make monthly payments on their older iPhones, and their eligibility for future iPhones will be delayed, the Lawsuit alleges.
Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program, arguably designed for the company's staunchest fans, allows customers to Upgrade to a new iPhone each year. Customers can Upgrade after as little as six months, so long as they have made 12 iPhone payments and trade in the iPhone in question when upgrading.