Apple has recently introduced a significant update to its U.S. Apple Card Monthly Installment plan, reshaping the way customers can purchase iPhones through this feature. The change, effective immediately, mandates that individuals using this plan must now choose an iPhone linked to major carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile. This update has repercussions for customers seeking unlocked devices and those wishing to connect to alternative carriers.
As Apple Card policy shifts, certain iPhones are no longer eligible monthly financing
Previously, the Apple Card Monthly Installment plan allowed customers to purchase an iPhone online, keeping the option open to connect to a carrier of their preference at a later stage. However, this flexibility has been modified to align with the in-store policy, which necessitates customers to select one of the three main carriers (AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile) at the point of purchase. As announced by Apple:
You’ll need to select AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon as your carrier when you check out. An iPhone purchased with ACMI is always unlocked, so you can switch carriers at any time.
It’s important to note that all iPhones acquired through the Apple Card Monthly Installment plan remain unlocked, offering users the freedom to switch carriers whenever they please. Nevertheless, under the new policy, customers must have an active plan with one of the supported carriers (AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile) at the time of purchase. This change effectively prevents the purchase of a SIM-free iPhone through the installment plan, ruling out the possibility of connecting it to carriers like Mint Mobile.
The Apple Card Monthly Installment plan offers customers the convenience of spreading payments over a 24-month period, with zero percent APR and an added advantage of 3% Daily Cash back on payments. However, it’s essential to be aware that this plan’s 24-month term is now exclusively applicable to iPhone purchases. As of now, other Apple devices, including the Apple Watch, Macs, displays, and iPads, will be subject to a 12-month term for installment payments.
- iPhone: If you buy an iPhone using Apple Card Monthly Installments, you’ll have one installment due every month for 24 months.
- iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Displays: If you buy an iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Pro Display XDR, or Studio Display using Apple Card Monthly Installments, you’ll have one installment due every month for twelve months.
- Apple TV, AirPods, and Beats Flex Wireless Earphones: If you buy any of these products using Apple Card Monthly Installments, you’ll have one installment due every month for six months.
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