This Is the Scary iPhone Upgrade Program Catch Nobody’s Talking About

Kimberly Wang
Sep 16, 2016

Last year, when Apple introduced the iPhone Upgrade Program, it seemed to be the solution for the age-old problem of still having a year to go on a two-year contract while Apple’s dropping their latest flagship handset. In other words, new iPhone FOMO. Apple even touts is as “The best way to own iPhone.”

People swarmed to the stores to sign up — including yours truly — and with the impending release of the iPhone 7, 2016 is the first time I’ve been able to take advantage of the perk. But when I tried to trade in my 6S Plus for a 7 Plus, I was met with an unpleasant discovery.

To explain, let me back up. When I signed up for the Program back in September of 2015, I had to provide my social security number, a valid US credit card, two forms of primary identification and my wireless carrier info. That’s a lot of information to simply sign up for a new iPhone.

In case you’re asking why, here’s how the upgrade program works: When you sign up for the program, you’re actually signing up for a loan that’s financed through Citizen One Personal Loans. Citizen One Bank finances your phone, and you pay them back with a 24-month installment loan with a zero percent APR. To get a loan, you must first get your credit checked. This is all written in the fine print at the bottom of the iPhone Upgrade Program page. According to Priya Malani, financial planner and founding partner of Stash Wealth, “A hard inquiry as opposed to a soft inquiry is when your credit score is checked by an agency or institution that is issuing you a loan — versus you checking it yourself or a simple background check. Too many hard inquiries, like three or more, within a short period of time, like six months, isn’t great for your credit score.”

Now fast forward to the present. When I tried to swap my 6S for a 7, I found out that, in order to “exercise my upgrade option,” I had to sign up for a new 24-month loan. Which means new loan = new hard credit check. Yep, that would be two hard pulls on my credit report within 12 months and THAT was a shock to learn. To be fair, in the terms and conditions of the iPhone Upgrade Program, Apple does write that in order to exercise your upgrade option, you had to “enroll in a new iPhone Upgrade Program which includes applying for and entering into a new 24-month 0% APR installment loan (‘New Installment Loan’) with Bank,” and they do list it in their FAQs, but many users are still unaware. The Apple Store employee certainly didn’t offer this information when I signed up the first time, either.

And these hard pulls affect people differently. As Priya says, “If your credit score is healthy, you may only get dinged by a few points, but if you are working on rebuilding your credit score you may take a larger hit — up to 10 to 20 points.” Ouch. And there are times when you should be particularly conscious of your credit score. “Because your credit score is used to determine the terms offered on your loan or credit line,” Priya tells us, “you want to be in good standing when going to borrow in a significant way, like for a mortgage.” And it’s not limited to just mortgages, but also when you’re buying a car, renting an apartment or even opening a new credit card.

But there IS a silver lining here. There are ways you can avoid getting your credit dinged while still taking part in the program. “This is the fun part,” Priya says — something only a financial planner would say. “Not a lot of people realize you totally have control over increasing your credit score. It’s kind of like a game.” One of the first things Priya recommends doing is calling your credit card companies and asking them to increase your credit line. (“[Though] this doesn’t mean charge up more!”) What this does is it lowers your “credit utilization ratio,” AKA the percentage of your total credit you’re using. “You want to keep your CUR under 30 percent if you have great credit and under 20 percent if you have average credit,” Priya advises. “So if your cumulative credit line is $10,000, don’t charge up more than $2,000 to $3,000 at a time without paying it off in full.”

Another trick she has up her sleeve is to pay your bill off faster. “Instead of paying your credit card off every month when the bill is due,” Priya tells us, “pay it off every week or every two weeks. Showing regular and on-time payments is an easy way to bump your credit score.”

Next, you could try opening a fresh line of credit and being really careful about it. “Charge regularly and pay it off regularly,” she says. Use a free service like Debitize to keep you accountable. It links up your checking account and your credit card. Each time you use your credit card, they move the money out of your checking account into a Debitize account. At the end of the month, they’ll pay your bill for you — in full and on time.

As for those who don’t want another hard inquiry on their credit score and want out of the iPhone Upgrade Program, the bad news is that you’ll have to pay off the remainder of your 24-month loan, though after that, the phone is yours to do as you please.

Did you upgrade using Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photos via Apple, Getty)

21 Thoughtful Gifts You Can Buy For Under $25

Gift giving can be hard, especially when you get into the weeds of what would make your recipient feel special, what they need, and what colors, patterns, and details they'd prefer. But there's one thing for sure: you know your friends well, and if your giftis intentional, they're sure to love it. These thoughtful gift ideas under $25 are fun, colorful, and even customizable, which makes them the perfect option for your best friends and family members. Don't forget to check out our Handmade Gifts To Give Something A Bit More Unique This Year.

Keep reading for the best gifts under $25 to give this holiday season!

The Best Under-$25 Gifts To Give All Your Loved Ones

Amazon

Cow Utensil Holder

We all need kitchen supplies. And when the supplies are this cute and kitschy?! I simply can't pass them up. It'll serve as storage and decor, and that's a win-win when you have limited counter space.

Etsy

CrispPagesandCo Themed Book Blind Date

We love blind book dates almost as much as we love themed book blind dates. If you've never done one of these blind dates before, it's when you buy a book based on a few details instead of knowing the full synopsis. This themed option is a great option for any book lover in your life.

Lush

Lush Gift Set Secret Santa

Give your BFF these limited-edition bath products that will make their spa day way more colorful. We love making our Christmas bubble baths a whole event (we're talking wine, a movie, and face masks) and this Magical Santa Bath Bomb and Frosty the Snowman Bath Bomb are the perfect picks.

Baggu

Baby Baggu

If your recipient strictly uses reusable totes, grab them a colorful and cute (not to mention romantic!) option so that they remember you every time they go to the store and help the environment at the same time.

Amazon

Mocktail Party

There are a variety of reasons why someone might choose to be booze-free at the moment, but that doesn't mean they have to miss out on all the fun. We love a good mocktail — they're cheaper, flavorful, and don't leave you with a headache! This mocktail recipe book is filled with 75 recipes to keep happy hour extra happy.

Printique

Printique Centerfold Calendars

Custom calendars are an extra-special gift idea since you can fill them with photos from the year. This is one gift my family always gets my dad, and flipping through the pages is one of my favorite things to do every Christmas! When you add pics from weddings, birthdays, and trips, they almost become like a time capsule.

Amazon

The Hygge Game

I love hygge (the focus on living a cozy, warm lifestyle) as much as the next person. If you have a friend who loves games, then this question game will make a great gift. It lets you have fun and get to know each other better at the same time.

Etsy

StudioChelseaCo Main Character Energy Mug

Even the most confident people need a reminder that they are, in fact, the main character. This super cute mug will make their evening cup of tea even better than it was before — and infuse their mug cabinet with a little bit of Barbievibes!

Anthropologie

Holiday in the City Stoneware Dessert Plate

Remind your travel buddy of a trip you went on together, or gift them with a plate in honor of somewhere you want to visit together! Whichever plate you choose will look amazing as a Christmas cookie display.

Target

The Lip Bar Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick

If you have a beauty lover in your life, grab them this matte liquid lipstick that's made with a vegan formula. As much as we love the lipstick shades, we love that it's Black-founded even more.

American Eagle

AE Dill The Halls Crew Socks

The pickle girl in your life will be head over heels for these socks. And the fact they feature big red bows makes them even better!

Etsy

LovekokiGifts Mother And Daughter Personalized Wall Art

Grab your mom this custom wall art for her office or bedroom. You can choose the hair style and color, clothing, hand pose, skin color, and body size to make it accurate and extra special.

Amazon

Ice Roller for Face

This ice roller will take your skincare routine to the next level. It provides a cooling sensation anywhere you need it for what definitely feels like an at-home facial. It's also the perfect way to wake up on days your brain just doesn't want to.

Amazon

LEUCHTTURM1917 A5 Hardback Notebook

Grab a notebook for any art lover (or bullet journaler) in your life. There are tons of ways you can make this gift special. You can give them prompts if they're a writer, or add in some watercolor designs every few pages. You can also fill it with poetry and song lyrics about their favorite topic. Leave at least a few empty pages so they can add their art too!

The Meadow

Dolfin Earl Grey Tea Dark Chocolate Bar

As much as we love Hershey's bars, we can't resist fancy dark chocolate when we see it. This bar has the earthy, romantic notes of Earl Grey tea, making it the perfect pick for anyone who'd rather be in London. You might as well grab two because you're going to want to keep one for yourself!

Anthropologie

The Atlas of Christmas

Whether your gift recipient loves to learn about different cultures around the world or just never stops reading, this is a fun and unique gift pick that will peak their curiosity. Plus, it will make a super cute coffee table book.

Cool Girl Candles

Cool Girl Candles This Smells Like Timothee Chalamet Wax Melt

We're obsessed with this company that lets you put your fangirl status at the forefront (especially after that Timmy lookalike contest), and these wax melts are no exception. The mix of peach, mandarin, florals, and vanilla is almost too good to be true.

Amazon

Galison Winter Lights Foil Puzzle

If puzzles are a part of your annual New Years Day celebration, opt for this puzzle that will transport you into the coziest winter night! I want to visit this city ASAP.

Etsy

SwiftiePins Taylor Swift "I Can Do It With A Broken Heart" Enamel Pin

Enamel pins are a quirky and colorful way to add personality to your favorite denim jackets, and if you haven't stopped singing this song from Taylor Swift's latest album The Tortured Poets Department, then why not let the world know?!

Etsy

The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe Inspired Loose Leaf Tea

Whether you're making Bridgerton recipes or Harry Potter cocktails, food is always a fun way to be transported into your favorite stories. I'm adding this tea inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia to my wishlist, STAT.

Amazon

Paint by Number for Adults

DIY paint kits make for a fun gift because not only does your recipient get to complete a fun activity but they also get a unique piece of art at the end. I'd call that a win-win. Grab two and turn it into a fun date night activity!

Loving these gifts under $25? Tag us with your thoughtful gifts on Instagram and check out our email newsletter for more tips.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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Anne Hathaway Joins The 'Verity' Movie!

Thanks to Challengers and The Watchers, 2024 has definitely been a year of shocking movies (and shockingly good movies), and that trend is going to continue thanks to Verity & Colleen Hoover. While It Ends With Us might be the most popular Colleen Hoover book, Verity is arguably the craziest, and The Hollywood Reporter just confirmed that a movie is officially in development! And the best news yet? The film will be led by Anne Hathaway. I was so excited when I found out, I literally just send "WHAT" over and over in our work group chat.

While we wait for more Verity movie news, browse the Colleen Hoover merch you can wear to opening night ;).

Keep reading for the latest news on Colleen Hoover's Verity movie, starring Anne Hathaway!

Who's in the Verity cast?

John Nacion/Getty Images

Verity Movie Cast

On November 20, we got our first piece of Verity movie news: Anne Hathaway will star as Verity in the movie! Considering It Ends With Us stars beloved actors like Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and Jenny Slate, I'm not surprised Verity is led by such a powerhouse.

Popular fancasts for Verity include You's Victoria Pedretti or The White Lotus' Alexandra Diddario as Lowen and Shia LaBeouf or Theo James as Jeremy. Without a doubt, the cast of Verity needs to be warm and welcoming at first glance, but also have an unexpected edge that reveals itself as we move through the story.

One Reddit user points out that the characters need to offer "just toxicity but also feigned innocence," and each of these actors do exactly that, which makes them incredible picks for the movie.

When is the Verity movie coming out?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for TIME

Verity Movie Release Date

We don't have an official release date for the movie quite yet. Colleen Hoover self-published Verity in 2018, and in 2021, the book was acquired by Grand Central Publishing. It sold more than one million copies in 2023, and has more than 340 thousand Amazon ratings and over two million Goodreads ratings. Talk about a hit!

What is Verity about?

Vlada Karpovich/Pexels

Verity Plot

In Verity by Colleen Hoover, Lowen Ashleigh is a writer struggling to make ends meet. That is, until she's offered the job of a lifetime by Jeremy, husband to the ultimate it-girl author, Verity Crawford. The thriller writer is no longer able to finish the remaining books in her series, and Jeremy wants Lowen to pick up where she left off. While Lowen is over the moon to step in (both into the job and their huge family estate), a secret manuscript and family secrets lead Lowen to realize Verity's hiding a lot more than she's letting on. B+C editor Haley Sprankle says this is one of the craziest books she's ever read, and I know this is definitely going to be one of the craziest movies we've seen!

Is there a movie about the book Verity?

Amazon

Yes, a movie based on Colleen Hoover's Verity is officially on the way! The movie's in development at Amazon MGM Studios (the studio behind Florence Pugh's A Good Person and Zendaya's Challengers). Hillary Seitz is currently writing the script for the film, and Eat the Cat's Nick Antosca and Alex Hedlund are producing.

What movie is similar to the book Verity?

Lionsgate

If you love thriller books like Verity, then I'd recommend checking out other relationship-centric thrillers like Gone Girl, Rebecca, and A Simple Favor. For period drama fans, I cannot recommend Will Poulter and Lucy Boynton's Why Didn't They Ask Evans enough!

Follow us on TikTok and YouTube for the latest entertainment updates, and check back here for new info on Verity & Colleen Hoover's other books! Read up on the latest Regretting You Movie News while you're at it!

This post has been updated.

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41 Beauty Finds to Perfect the Frosty Makeup Look

Frosted makeup looks are back in style, and if you haven't hopped on the trend yet, you're in luck. We've put together a list of 41 beauty finds to perfect the frosty makeup look. Whether you're going for a bold, glamorous nighttime appearance or a more subtle shine to add to your daily routine, this list has something for everyone to try.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

An Eyeshadow Palette With 10 Ultra-Pigmented Colors

Amazon

This cool-toned eyeshadow palette has a blend of frosty silvers, blues, and iridescent shades to create a frozen look with a modern twist. The smooth formula ensures long-lasting shimmer and high-pigmented color.

See it on Amazon

A Smooth and Hydrating Lip Oil

Amazon

This lip oil gives your lips a glassy, frosted finish. Packed with subtle shimmer, it enhances the natural color of your lips while adding a frosty glow for a winter-ready lip look.

See it on Amazon

A Highlighter Stick for Your Face and Body

Amazon

For an effortless icy glow, this highlighter stick glides on smoothly, leaving behind a soft, dewy finish. It adds a frosted shine to your cheekbones and cupid’s bow for that perfect winter touch.

See it on Amazon

Add a Touch of Radiance With This Glowy Illuminator

Amazon

Meet this glowy illuminator, a versatile luminizer that gives you a dewy, glass skin look. Wear it alone, mix it with foundation or tinted SPF, or apply it over makeup for a radiant glow. Infused with Plant-Derived Glycerin, Vitamin C, and Rose Hip Seed Oil, it effortlessly hydrates, brightens, and moisturizes your skin.

See it on Amazon

A 2-in-1 Blush and Illuminator Stick

Amazon

This blush and illuminator stick adds color to your cheeks and illuminates your facial structure. It has a dual-ended design and a hydrating formula your skin will love.

See it on Amazon

Blue Mascara to Build Up Your Frosted Look

Amazon

Make your lashes pop with this bold blue mascara. The creamy formula provides volume and definition, while the cool-toned blue hue gives your eyes a frosty, striking look that’s perfect for winter glam.

See it on Amazon

A Moondust Eyeshadow With a Reflective Shine

Amazon

Add a touch of sparkle to your eyes and cheeks with Urban Decay’s Moondust eyeshadow. Its iridescent formula mixes fine shimmer and soft metallics, creating a multidimensional effect that enhances any look.

See it on Amazon

Liquid Highlighter Drops for a Radiant Glow

Amazon

These liquid highlight drops create a soft, icy glow on your skin. Just a few drops blend easily for a natural-looking glow that adds a hint of frost to any look. You can use them alone or mix them into your foundation.

See it on Amazon

An Eyeshadow Stick You Can Also Use as a Liner

Amazon

This cream eyeshadow stick will add a frosty color in just one swipe. It’s blendable and buildable, perfect for a quick winter-inspired eye look.

See it on Amazon

A Frosty Pink Lipstick With Y2K Vibes

Amazon

This lipstick has a stunning matte finish for a bold, frosty statement. Wear it alone for a true winter vibe or layer to create a custom frosty ombré effect.

See it on Amazon

Setting Spray to Increase Your Frosted Sparkle

Amazon

Lock in your makeup with this setting spray that leaves a hint of sparkle to tie your whole look together. It sets your makeup while adding a fine frosty glow to your skin. You can even use it on your body to hydrate and shine.

See it on Amazon

A Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow That Makes a Statement

Amazon

This liquid glitter shadow brings a high-impact sparkle with a single swipe. The quick-drying formula stays put, creating a frosty, shimmery finish that lasts all night.

See it on Amazon

A Baked Blush With Just the Right Amount of Sparkle

Amazon

Add a baked blush to your look for a soft, luminous finish. It's perfect for adding a hint of warmth with a frosty glow. It blends smoothly, giving cheeks a natural, winter-kissed flush.

See it on Amazon

A Pearly Pink Lipstick With an Oil-Based Formula

Amazon

This lipstick adds a soft, pearl-like glow to your lips. The creamy formula will keep your lips hydrated and shiny with a pale pink glow with transfer-proof coverage.

See it on Amazon

A Mineral Shadow With a Subtle Shimmer

Amazon

Try this mineral shadow in a rich blue tone to add a cool touch to any look. The buildable formula lets you go from subtle to bold with ease, whether you're adding it to your entire lid or just the outer corners.

See it on Amazon

A Bronzer to Balance Out Your Look

Amazon

Add this bronzer to even out your look with a warm glow. Its blendable formula and natural-looking finish will make your frosted tones pop even more.

See it on Amazon

Gel Eyeshadow With a Buildable Formula

Amazon

Whether you're a makeup professional or a beginner, this gel eyeshadow will be easy to use. You can use it alone or with other shades from the eight colors to choose from, giving your eyes more dimension.

See it on Amazon

A Plumping Lip Gloss You Can Get in 6 Colors

Amazon

This lip gloss adds a sheer wash of color with a hint of shine, enriched with vitamin E for hydration. It will leave your lips looking plump and fresh with the most gorgeous shimmer.

See it on Amazon

A Shimmery Eyeshadow You Can Also Use as a Highlighter

Amazon

Nothing beats products that do it all, like this eyeshadow. Its creamy consistency makes it easy to blend, whether you're applying it to your eyelids or using it as a highlighter on your cheekbones.

See it on Amazon

A Lipstick With a Moisturizing Formula

Amazon

This lipstick gives your lips a frosty satin finish. Formulated with aloe vera, it keeps your lips hydrated and smooth, even in the winter. Available in over 20 shades, it’s perfect for completing any frosted look.

See it on Amazon

A Powder Highlighter in a Warm Shade

Amazon

If you're going for more of a golden frost look, this highlighter will be perfect for you. It has a pearl-like shimmer in a warmer tone that will complement any skin tone. It's even great for adding to your eyelids to make them pop.

See it on Amazon

Eyeshadow Pens for a Multi-Dimensional Look

Amazon

Color your eyelids effortlessly with these eyeshadow pens. They come in three different shades that work well together or worn alone as shadow or liner. You can choose a couple of different color combinations to best complement your eye color.

See it on Amazon

A Lip Gloss Made for Sensitive Skin

Amazon

This Almay lip gloss is the perfect way to participate in the frosted makeup trend, no matter how sensitive your skin is. It's made with a hypoallergenic formula and a stunning light pink color with just the right amount of shimmer.

See it on Amazon

A High Pigmented Liquid Eyeshadow

Amazon

This liquid eyeshadow adds shine to your eyes that lasts all day. Its metallic sparkle comes in a variety of shades, perfect for complementing any frosted look.

See it on Amazon

A Concealer Infused With Hyaluronic Acid

Amazon

Brighten and conceal with this lightweight illuminating concealer. The waterproof formula has a medium coverage while adding a subtle glow to highlight and refresh your under-eye area.

See it on Amazon

A Cream Eyeshadow With an Impressive Pigment

Amazon

Give your eyes the perfect amount of glow and shine with this cream eyeshadow. It has gorgeous shades, all with a frosted finish that will keep you right on trend throughout the season.

See it on Amazon

Lip Plumper for Naturally Fuller-Looking Lips

Amazon

Give your lips the ultimate frosted glow with this lip plumper. It has an illuminating formula that you can get in a variety of shades, but to really master the look, 'moonlight' and 'balmshell' might be your best options.

See it on Amazon

An Eyeshadow Primer to Preserve Your Hard Work

Amazon

The frosted look requires a lot of glittery eyeshadows, which can be hard to keep in place. This eyeshadow primer will be the perfect way to keep your look intact all day long. It prevents creasing and will give your eyeshadows a more vibrant color.

See it on Amazon

A Pallete Full of Frosty Blues

Amazon

This palette mixes matte and shimmer shades in cool blues, perfect for layering and blending. From a shimmery white to add to the inner corners of your eyes to a dark blue, it has everything you need for an icy eye look.

See it on Amazon

A Lip Liner With a Retractable Design

Amazon

Define your lips and make sure your gloss stands out with this lip liner. It has a dual-ended side that helps you blend in the product for a smoother look. It even has vitamin E and peptides to plump your lips while you wear it.

See it on Amazon

A Cool-Toned Brown Eyeshadow Pallet

Amazon

This eyeshadow palette combines warm and cool tones to achieve a frosted eyeshadow look. The cool-toned brown is perfect for adding depth to the outer corner, while the lighter shimmery shades brighten the inner corner for a balanced, radiant look.

See it on Amazon

Liquid Eyeliner With a Hint of Shimmer

Amazon

Complete your frosted look with this shimmering liquid eyeliner. Available in a range of colors—or a variety pack for endless options—it adds the perfect touch of sparkle to match any eyeshadow.

See it on Amazon

A Highlighter With an Intense Pigment

Amazon

Every frosted look needs a diamond-like sparkle, and this highlighter delivers just that. Available in a range of shades, it lets you choose your level of radiance. For maximum shine, go with the pearl white; for a more subtle glow, try a champagne or gold hue.

See it on Amazon

An Eyeshadow Palette Full of Shimmery Shades

Amazon

Create versatile frosted looks with any shade in this eyeshadow palette. With nine different colors and a perfectly shimmery formula, you’ll have everything you need to master any frosty eye look.

See it on Amazon

An Eyeliner Pencil That Perfects the Look

Amazon

This eyeliner pencil adds a frosty glow to your eyes. The cool blue shade pairs perfectly with frosted eyeshadows, whether you use it in your waterline or to create a bold winged look.

See it on Amazon

A Dew Stick to Prep Your Skin

Amazon

This dew stick achieves a glowing, frosted look. It adds a radiant glow to your complexion, whether worn under makeup or on its own. With a subtle hint of color and a pearlescent finish, it hydrates your skin while you wear it.

See it on Amazon

Liquid Eyeshadow With a Holographic Look

Amazon

This liquid eyeshadow transforms your look based on the lighting. Its highly pigmented color and iridescent finish create a holographic effect that shifts beautifully as you move.

See it on Amazon

A Makeup Mousse With a Sparkling Undertone

Amazon

This makeup mousse speeds up your routine and gives your face a luminous base. It combines primer, foundation, concealer, and powder in one, making it easy to streamline your routine and focus on perfecting your frosted eyes.

See it on Amazon

Cream Eyeshadow With a Reflective Effect

Amazon

Cream eyeshadow is perfect for a long-lasting look that won’t crease throughout the day. This one offers intense, metallic shimmer in a range of shades, giving you vibrant color that stays put.

See it on Amazon

A Lip Gloss With a Subtle Tint and High Shine

Amazon

This Unicorn Snot lip gloss adds subtle pigment and high shine in one swipe. With holographic glitter and a purple tint, it complements any skin tone for a fun, eye-catching look.

See it on Amazon

An Eyeshadow Pallet for a Full Smokey Eye

Amazon

This eyeshadow palette makes achieving a smoky eye effortless with all frosted shades. Each of the five shades adds shimmer, ranging from bright white to deep blue, for a bold, layered look.

See it on Amazon