Related Article: Products you can buy from Apple with Apple Card Monthly Installments

Recent changes to Apple Card installments are unfriendly to the consumer, and drastically diminish the value of the card to me by fully eliminating my primary purpose.

Recent changes to Apple Card's monthly installments feature prevent users from checking out without connecting the device to T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon. Options for purchasing an unlocked device directly using the main benefit of Apple Card, have been eliminated.


There is zero reason why my choice of carrier should preclude directly purchasing an unlocked device from Apple.


While it was frustrating losing access to the iPhone Upgrade Program due to not selecting the "right" choice of carrier, at least there was an option remaining via Apple Card to do business directly with Apple; after all I am buying an Apple device, directly from Apple. My carrier is of no consequence; it is fully my prerogative to buy the thing and store it in a drawer for 2 years unactivated if I want.


Turning away interested customers on the basis of using a less popular carrier than three specific ones, is silly, unnecessary, and anti-consumer. This is a situation in which a customer intends to buy a computing device from a computer company--this isn't a car, and we don't need to prove insurance or licensure to operate it. I am within my rights to buy and use an iPhone as an offline calculator so far as Apple is concerned. It is foolish to lock out dedicated customers intent on buying an expensive device within the next month, based on whether they choose to do business that isn't actually required, with a company that isn't Apple.


My primary use of the Apple Card no longer exists, and the service no longer offers any of its primary value to me.


I sincerely hope these policy decisions are reconsidered.

Posted on Aug 15, 2023 5:49 PM

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Question marked as Best answer

Hi, I can tell you’re frustrated by changes Apple has introduced into their policies and terms and conditions.


Please understand the Apple Support Community is a user to user public forum. Apple hosts the community, but neither Apple or Goldman Sachs are here. Everyone responding and commenting are users, just like you. Neither Apple or Goldman will see your concerns unless you share them through the proper channels.


Apple and Goldman Sachs welcome your feedback, but regret they cannot respond to individuals.


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CONTACTING — Goldman Sachs Bank 



  • Call toll-free at 877-255-5923; or


  • Write to: Goldman Sachs Bank, Lockbox 6112, P.O. Box 7247, Philadelphia, PA 19170-6112.


Posted on Aug 15, 2023 6:03 PM

Similar questions

24 replies

Aug 15, 2023 6:05 PM in response to semipermeable

Hats off for a careful “read” of the fine print. 👍


While I don’t necessarily understand the business case for this policy …


… and I’ve always purchased “non-affiliated” phones directly from Apple …


… just because you “select” a carrier doesn’t appear to lock you in to anything.


And I’m assuming that the eSIM provisioning STILL requires overt action by the owner during setup.


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.”

Question marked as Best answer

Aug 15, 2023 6:03 PM in response to semipermeable

Hi, I can tell you’re frustrated by changes Apple has introduced into their policies and terms and conditions.


Please understand the Apple Support Community is a user to user public forum. Apple hosts the community, but neither Apple or Goldman Sachs are here. Everyone responding and commenting are users, just like you. Neither Apple or Goldman will see your concerns unless you share them through the proper channels.


Apple and Goldman Sachs welcome your feedback, but regret they cannot respond to individuals.


Feedback - Apple Pay - Apple


CONTACTING — Goldman Sachs Bank 



  • Call toll-free at 877-255-5923; or


  • Write to: Goldman Sachs Bank, Lockbox 6112, P.O. Box 7247, Philadelphia, PA 19170-6112.


Sep 12, 2023 5:44 PM in response to Chattanoogan

Yes you can switch to any carrier when starting activation but on checkout it checks if you have an account with selected carrier, so you cant “switch” the way your stating. Part of the benefit of signing up for the Apple Card was a no charge installment plan no mention that it needed to be tied to the Big 3 It no longer applies if you do not have one the 3 major services, I unfortunately do not.

Recent changes to Apple Card installments are unfriendly to the consumer, and drastically diminish the value of the card to me by fully eliminating my primary purpose.

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