Unlocked iPhone Apple Card Financing

Why is Apple ending unlocked iPhone apple Card financing on August 15th? This was a big perk for signing up for the Apple Card. I usually finance my phone through a carrier anyways, but what happens if my phone is lost or stolen and I don't have the financial means to up front buy a new one? Please consider keeping the option to finace an unlocked iphone through the Apple Card for customer satisfaction.

Posted on Jun 19, 2023 8:18 AM

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Jun 19, 2023 8:41 AM in response to jimn78

You are probably already aware, but just in case: You can still buy an unlocked iPhone with the Apple Card after August 15 but you will no longer be able to use the Monthly Installments option (i.e., you will pay interest on the unpaid balance if you purchase an unlocked phone after that date).

See: Products you can buy from Apple with Apple Card Monthly Installments - Apple Support


Aug 20, 2023 12:17 PM in response to jimn78

I'm not sure why Apple removed this feature, but I am also disappointed with this perk removal. I do not use any of the big 3 wireless carriers and I feel as if though I am punished for not using AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon.

I have been looking for alternative options and the best I have found is Affirm, but you can only get 0% interest with a 4 payment split spread across 4 weeks.

If I find a better option, I'll come back to this post and share what I find.

As for the Apple Card, this was my main reason for having it and its value has greatly diminished for me.

Aug 20, 2023 2:34 PM in response to hey_thisisandrew

I am also very disappointed Apple remove the financing option for unlocked phones. That was the main reason I got an Apple card but now I have to find a better solution for it and is not as viable to buy the whole upfront value for the phone to get it unlocked. I don't use the main carriers and also love having the flexibility to change carrier whenever I want. Hope this can get reinstated so we can buy unlocked phones with the financing option soon.

Aug 21, 2023 8:53 AM in response to Jeff Donald

To the original poster, from what I found affirm may actually have 12 months 0% interest at checkout. That is what I will be trying.

As for the suggestion of still using the Apple Card to earn 3% cash back. 3% is nothing when you consider the 20%+ APR that will accrue on the card if you carry a balance. A smart way to carry a balance is on credit cards with a 0% APR which is why I got the Apple Card to begin with.

The reason for the perk removal is more likely because people like myself were buying unlocked devices to use with MVNO carriers like Mint Mobile. With Mint Mobile my bill will be $90 for the entirety of my 12 month period next year with unlimited talk, text & 5G data.

If this were a financial decision then it would have been removed from all options. This was more likely a tactic to force the consumer to use one of the big 3 wireless carriers.

Aug 21, 2023 9:29 AM in response to hey_thisisandrew

GS makes no money when a customer only swipes his card once a year. Apple sells hardware either way, so, they’re making money with or without an installment plan.


At the end of the day, do what makes the most sense to for you and your circumstances.


On a side note the Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card has 21 months 0% interest and a $200 sign up bonus (SUB) when you spend $500 to the first 3 months. You also earn 2% cash back.

Sep 4, 2023 10:25 PM in response to Jeff Donald

Thank you, I Just did this..... Approved on the spot, on line, added to my apple wallet. Instantly, after downloading the app.... The whole point of getting the Apple card was to finance Phones for free, the 15 Pro Max would have been my third one, Along with the cash back for accessories, and my Mac mini, But my next phone is going on Wells Fargo, along with my Cricket Payments. You also get $600 a cell phone additional insurance, available twice a year, if you pay your cell bills with it. You Just saved me $35 a month in interest. I might even do away with apple care +

Sep 15, 2023 1:33 AM in response to Jeff Donald

Thanks. I'll consider this. I currently pay for AC+, but the $600 coverage would cover a good portion for free and save me $13.49/mo = $162/yr of AC+.


I'm guessing Apple got some money from the carriers for this, but I wonder if it will be enough to replace the lost revenue. I was going to for sure get a 15 Pro Max with the 0%, but now I'm wondering if I want it at all. Losing out on the 0% direct and the convenience via Apple Card, and having to open yet another card account... Might just wait until savings accounts aren't paying 5%.

Sep 15, 2023 8:25 PM in response to hey_thisisandrew

I also would use MVNO networks (Mint and Visible are preferred). With the new limitation on activation with the big 3, do we know if this is strictly post-paid or is pre-paid acceptable? Maybe even starting post-paid if necessary and then switching to prepaid? I don't think this would be a new policy, but curious if we have heard of others making a pre-paid switch under the big 3 financing options with Apple. T-Mobile now has Connect by T-Mobile (seems more directly T-Mobile unlike Metro) and they have very similar pricing compared to Mint (not surprising with the recent Mint acquisition). This could be one alternative to paying the higher big 3 prices while still getting to finance via Apple. Additionally, I know Visible works with Affirm and I had 0% for 36 months on my iPhone 14 Pro - another great option if Verizon coverage works for you AND Visible devices are unlockable after 60 days of service (even when financed w/Affirm).

Sep 16, 2023 6:30 AM in response to jimn78

I am honestly turned off to Apple. I can afford to shell out the cost of a new iPhone or Watch, but have no desire to do so.


I would much rather pay $50 a month for 2 ish years than a single payment of $1000.


its basic pricing psychology. That $50 a month makes the perceived cost if the phone … $50 and not $1000.


I’d love to grab a iPhone15 but I’m seriously thinking that instead I’ll simply save up and wait two ish years assuming that’ll get me over shelling out $1000 all at once. It may or may not.


Brilliant move Apple. Simply brilliant.


What a phenomenal way to *NOT* sell devices.

Unlocked iPhone Apple Card Financing

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