iPhone Upgraders Forced To Sign A New 2 Year Contract?

Ah, it's been a while since we've reported on iPhone news, and today my own iPhone suddenly piped up and started playing "My Lover's Gone" by Dido. I got the point.

If you haven't heard by now, Apple upgraded both the iPhone and iPod Touch by introducing new models that have twice the storage (16GB and 32GB, respectively) for $100 more.

The question for iPhone users that immediately popped up was: will upgrading my iPhone cause me to have to sign a new 2 year contract? Should I use the SIM from my old 8GB iPhone? How do I activate it?

Wonder no more! Charles Starret of iLounge has found the answers:

Mark Siegel, Executive Director of Media and Analyst Relations with AT&T, told iLounge in an email, “If you upgrade from an 8 to a 16 GB iPhone, you sign a new contract. However, we automatically backdate it to the starting point of your contract on the 8 GB phone.” He added that the company “will make every effort to ensure that our reps provide customers with the correct information,” and clarified that customers should activate the SIM card that comes with the new model.

So, for iPhone upgraders, the process is simple: choose "replace an existing phone on your account," click through and accept the screen that tells you you're signing a new 2 year contract. Then, trust AT&T!

*coughs* *snicker* I'm sorry I can't keep a straight face anymore. If I were you, I'd make sure to confirm with AT&T representatives both before and after activating your new 16GB iPhone to make sure your contract has been backdated correctly. Imagine being stuck with a 4 year contract!

As for me, I'm waiting for the new 3G iPhone due out later this year to upgrade. I'm sure by then there'll be a 32GB version.

iPhone upgraders forced into new 2-year contracts? [updated] [iLounge]