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'Apple Upgrade' Program Reportedly Launching Next Week

turbineseaplane said:
A great way to get (or keep) people paying for things they can't afford and probably shouldn't be buying.


But hey ... “number must go up”, right?

That’s the important thing here.
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Paying for use is NOT equivalent to what you claim. Your argument is similar to the false argument people make about leasing a vehicle, where it is somehow noble to pay more per month to “own” a no longer under warranty depreciating asset that is upside down the minute you drive away rather than only paying depreciation and interest when leasing.

If your business use case involves the need for new equipment every few years, it seems this program may be considered a lease, or at minimum, you are paying only for the depreciation and interest, which are then deductible.

It will be interesting to see how this is structured for accounting purposes compared to buying on an Apple Card with interest free payments. It may be more beneficial for some tax situations as at the end of 2-3 years you own nothing rather than having paid more monthly to own a depreciated asset that you must then try to sell or trade and account for.
 
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ikramerica said:
If your business use case involves the need for new equipment every few years, it seems this program may be considered a lease, or at minimum, you are paying only for the depreciation and interest, which are then deductible.
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An excellent counterpoint and additional consideration here. 👍
 
bluecoast said:
I predict that the marketing will emphasise the low monthly payments -

‘only $x a month!*’
(*does not include AppleCare)

With the sticker price de-emphasised.
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They can have a "Sign, Dial & Download!" event!

"Ring in the New Year at your local Apple Store!"

"Find the right iPhone (payment) for you!"

1784653160341.png



"It's beginning to look a lot like savings at your local Apple Store!"

1784653256925.png


SNL "December to Remember" skit
 
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Even if it’s 0%, the amount that is saved after investing is still peanuts. While Apple and specifically Klarna are banking on people not being good with money, and easily overspend. Great for short term profits, long term bankruptcy.

I was in states last month, honestly Americans are very friendly folks but good lord do some like to spend on cards and get in the worst possible debt without a second thought.
 
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gummybear2026 said:
There's definitely interest involved in the new program. No business is offering 0% interest loans these days.
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Apple is. Dell is.

There are a good number of auto manufacturers (Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Hyundai, etc) offering 0% financing on select models.

There are many credit cards with 0% intro APR for 12, 15, or 21 months.
 
Way too many people in this thread that want to dictate how other people should spend their money. Worry about yourself. Can purchase iPhone outright? Awesome, do it. Need or want to take advantage of 0% loan? Amazing, go for it. Can't buy outright and can't budget the money cost, no worries.
 
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turbineseaplane said:
@DEMinSoCAL

I fully recognize that when viewed through a personal lens, there are opportunities to take advantage of things like 0% financing, as you smartly do.

What I'm opposed to is in the broader picture here ... the financialization of every bloody thing in our lives and the constant, relentless, push to turn everything into a recurring revenue extraction.
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Exactly. Before you know it, you have $500/month in what are essentially subscriptions. By time someone pays off that "0% loan" they are doing it over again.
 
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Wait, so the Apple 1UP Program that we use every launch day is going away and now will be pushed to a 3rd party vs using our Apple Card? The annual Upgrade is what I love each year.
 
Oblivious.Robot said:
Even if it’s 0%, the amount that is saved after investing is still peanuts. While Apple and specifically Klarna are banking on people not being good with money, and easily overspend. Great for short term profits, long term bankruptcy.

I was in states last month, honestly Americans are very friendly folks but good lord do some like to spend on cards and get in the worst possible debt without a second thought.
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It's an absolute epidemic here... fully enabled by "offers" such as these.
 
john1970 said:
Here is some advice: if you need to finance a new phone or computer buy a refurbished unit and save some money. I usually keep Apple computers at least four years and the phone three years at minimum. I am seriously considering just replacing the battery in my iPhone 15 Pro and use it for another 1-2 years. I think the battery replacement cost is $99 which is significantly cheaper than a new phone.
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You have my support!

I reluctantly traded in a 14pro for 17pro Max recently. 14 pro was still just fine, and battery replacement would have been the alternative choice.

I just wanted larger phone, and figured that if I’m going to spend money, might as well spend on the best. (Since this 17pm should be a 3-4+ year device… just like your 15pro definitely is!)
 
Apple is planning ahead for the impending price increases. More financing options is always a good thing for consumers. $1200+ is a lot of money to plunk down on a phone that most will only keep for a year or two. The upgrade option might be worth it for some.
 
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