Apple is poised to announce the new iPhone 5S and 5C on September 10, and with every new smartphone comes a new opportunity to review your mobile carrier contract.
Even if the new iPhone is only a blue or champagne colored version of its predecessor, reports Gizmodo, most cell phone service providers will offer a discounted rate when pre-ordering the shiny tech newness — so long as you renew your contract.
It may be worth the discounted price to renew your mobile contract, but here are a few things you should review before you sign.
Unlocking Your Phone
Whether you’re purchasing a new iPhone or the latest Samsung offering, you’ll likely be purchasing the phone through a service provider like AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon.
These major carriers will offer new smartphones, which can retail around $800, with a substantial discount so long as you sign a 2-year exclusive contract with that carrier. These contracts effectively prevent you from legally unlocking your phone and switching to a new carrier before your contract is up.
