To be honest. This isn’t any different from previously just different mechanics. The upgrade anytime (if memory serves me correct) was you hand back the old phone, the balance is cleared to enable you to upgrade to the new phone! I wouldn't be surprised if they have changed this to - pay off your balance as they were losing money on contracts due to the value of the phone not equalling the balance of the contract! This way they actually get the full contract paid off by the customer (slightly higher contracts this year) and the customer keeps the phone!
Ultimately once the contract paid off and you ‘eventually’ get your new phone, you can sell your old one and recoup most of that money. And depending on how quick you get your phone this year, there maybe a little profit left over after you’ve taken off the amount one paid to clear the balance.
