How to Buy An iPhone As A Gift

iPhone / By / June 24, 2023

Buying a new iPhone as a gift for someone special can be an excellent idea, especially when you cherish that person. While it may sound easy, purchasing an iPhone as a gift can be complicated if you don’t know how to go about it. This guide aims to help you buy an iPhone as a gift without any hassle.

We’ll explore different methods you can use to purchase an iPhone as a gift and provide insights on what you need, why you should focus on certain aspects and the implications you should consider. Besides, we’ll provide answers to some frequently asked questions about buying an iPhone as a gift.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed?

Before we explore what’s needed, you must understand that buying an iPhone is not a small financial commitment. Therefore, you must choose the right iPhone, the right carrier, and the right protection plan that meets the gift receiver’s preferences, needs, and style.
Here’s what you’ll need:

  • The gift receiver’s preference
  • Carrier network preference and compatibility
  • iPhone model preference e.g., iPhone XR, iPhone SE, iPhone 11, etc.
  • Storage size
  • Purchase protection plan

What Requires Your Focus?

Purchasing an iPhone as a gift requires your attention to the following aspects:

  • Budget: iPhones are expensive, and you must stick to a budget to avoid overspending. Purchase the highest value iPhone potential with the lowest cost.
  • Carrier: Ensure that you select the ideal carrier with excellent signal coverage in the recipient’s region.
  • Plan: Understand the recipient’s communication, music, and video needs to choose an appropriate phone plan, app subscription, and its cost.
  • Cases and Accessories: Make sure you acquire the appropriate iPhone case and system accessories to protect the smartphone and improve functionality.
  • Packaging: Surprise your present receiver with a unique packaging or wrapping.

Different Methods to Buy An iPhone As A Gift

Method 1: Buying An iPhone Online

Buying an iPhone online is a convenient way of acquiring one as a present. Here are the steps to take:

  1. Visit Apple’s official website and select the iPhone model you want to buy.
  2. Choose between carrier or unlocked versions. Select the carrier with excellent coverage where the gift recipient lives.
  3. Select the storage option. 64GB or 128 GB should satisfy most people’s needs.
  4. Select the color preference the receiver would love.
  5. Choose to purchase an AppleCare+ protection plan or add it to your cart later.
  6. Add an optional engraving for free.
  7. Proceed to checkout.

Pros:

  • You can buy an iPhone anywhere you are, without visiting a physical store.
  • You have a wider selection of iPhone models, colors, and storage capacities to choose from.
  • You can customize the iPhone by engraving a message, thereby making your gift more personal.

Cons:

  • You cannot examine the device physically before purchasing, which means it may have scratches, dents, or malfunctions.
  • You may have to wait for a few days to have the gift delivered to the recipient.

Method 2: Purchasing From A Physical Apple Store

If you prefer to purchase from a physical apple store, follow these steps:

  1. Visit an Apple store close to you.
  2. Choose an iPhone model you want to purchase.
  3. Decide on carrier or Unlocked. It’s better to go with the carrier with the best phone signal coverage in the recipient’s area.
  4. You have to select the storage capacity. 64GB or 128 GB is typically enough.
  5. Choose the color preference the receiver prefers.
  6. Add an AppleCare+ protection plan for the iPhone for an additional fee.
  7. Purchase Apple accessories and cases to protect and improve the iPhone’s functionality.

Pros:

  • You can physically examine and test the device’s functionality before purchasing.
  • You can obtain hands-on help from the specialist in-store.
  • You don’t have to wait for the product or pay for shipping.

Cons:

  • You have to get to the store, which can be inconvenient in some instances.
  • You might not have adequate time to plan out a special gift package.
  • About 10% of iPhones are believed to display manufacturer defects within the one-year warranty period.

Method 3: Purchasing Through Carrier Online Store

You can purchase an iPhone as a gift through the carrier’s online store. Here are the steps:

  1. Visit the carrier’s website with a good network in the present recipient’s area.
  2. Select iPhone model of the recipient’s choice.
  3. Choose the color and storage capacity preference of the recipient.
  4. Add the phone to your cart and optionally choose to buy a phone plan and unlimited text and call service if needed.
  5. Select add-ons options such as phone cases and charging devices.
  6. Go to checkout.

Pros:

  • You can obtain discounts from the carrier and purchase phone plans for cheaper prices.
  • You can take advantage of promotional discounts or deals that are not available in other stores.
  • You can choose a specific carrier that suits the recipient’s requirements.

Cons:

  • You cannot see the phone before purchasing it.
  • You typically wait a few days before receiving the iPhone, similar to purchasing online from Apple.
  • You may not have the luxury of hands-on help from a specialist in-store.

Method 4: Purchasing Through an Authorized Apple Retailer

You can also buy an iPhone from apple authorized retailers and dealers. Here’s how:

  1. Choose an apple authorized dealer in your proximity, perhaps the one closest to the recipient.
  2. Select the iPhone model you want to purchase, but before that, inquire about their return or exchange policy and network coverage of the carrier.
  3. Choose either carrier or unlocked preference of the phone and select storage capacity.
  4. Purchase Apple protection plans for the iPhone for an additional price.
  5. Purchase apple accessories and cases to protect and enhance the performance of the iPhone.

Pros:

  • You can purchase an iPhone without going to an apple store.
  • You are likely to get a personalized plan for purchasing apple products
  • You can get professional help in-store for any questions about the purchase

Cons:

  • You can’t customize the iPhone like you can do on Apple’s official website.
  • You may have to wait for a few days to receive the product by mail.
  • You may need to ensure the authorized dealer is not selling refurbished or older versions of the iPhone at full-price.

Why Can’t I Purchase An iPhone As A Gift?

There could be reasons why purchasing an iPhone as a gift might be difficult. Here are some common ones and fixes

  1. Sim-lock: iPhones can have the sim-lock feature pre-activated, which means that only the carrier it’s tied to can be used. Make sure you purchase an unlocked phone from an authorized dealer or Apple’s official website.
  2. Availability: Some newer iPhone models may have limited availability due to production capacity or sensational demand. Ensure to order the phone you need well in advance of your intended date of delivery.
  3. Budget Limitations: iPhones are costly, and you must stick to a budget to avoid overspending. Consider opting for a slightly older or second-hand iPhone if budget constraints become untenable.

Implications and Recommendations

It would be best if you considered these implications before purchasing an iPhone as a gift:

  • You will need to obtain the recipient’s information such as shipping address, phone number, and Apple ID
  • You may need to purchase Apple Care+ plus or a similar insurance policy to allow for a possible repair or replacement when the phone is damaged beyond repair.
  • Consider the recipient’s profession and activities to choose the ideal iPhone model, e.g., iPhone SE for elderly individuals.

Recommendations:

  • Always purchase a phone in an apple authorized dealer or Apple’s official website to prevent getting a refurbished phone sold at a high price.
  • Unbox the iPhone, set it up, and enable it before giving it to the recipient; that way, the gift can be enjoyed the moment it is received.
  • Ship the phone to a safer location to prevent package thefts as iPhones are popular targets

5 FAQs About How to Buy An iPhone As A Gift

Q1: Can I pay for Apple Care+ monthly for an iPhone Gift?

A: Yes, you can subscribe to AppleCare+ for an iPhone gift with monthly payments if you buy your iPhone from Apple Store Online.

Q2: Can I trade in a previous iPhone as a gift?

A: Yes, you can trade in a previous iPhone as long as it’s involved in Apple’s trade-in program. In some cases, you can get a rebate on the consumer purchase cost of a new iPhone.

Q3: Can I return an iPhone gift if I am not satisfied?

A: Yes, in most cases, you can return an iPhone gift. Make sure you follow the return policy of the store or website from which you bought it.

Q4: Can the gift recipient exchange the iPhone I bought?

A: Yes, the gift recipient can exchange the iPhone you bought if it’s still in its original box and the recipient goes through the exchange process of the reseller store.

Q5: What are Apple Certified Refurbished Products?

A: Apple certified refurbished products are devices that have been returned to Apple because of faults or defectiveness and have undergone a rigorous refurbishment process to ensure they operate and look like entirely new devices. You can buy an iPhone as a gift if it is Apple certified refurbished products to save some money.

Final Words

Buying an iPhone as a gift for a special one requires careful attention to the recipient’s preferences and needs, and the cost implication for the gifts. This guide has highlighted several methods to buy an iPhone, the pros and cons of each method, and how to avoid common issues that exist while gifting an iPhone. By following these recommendations, you won’t go wrong buying an iPhone as a gift for your beloved one.

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