In a decision with intriguing strategic nuances, Apple announced that starting August 15, it would no longer offer financing to customers buying SIM-free iPhones. The Apple Card Monthly Installment (ACMI) option will be limited to those who commit to a connection with AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon.
The news, reported by 9to5Mac, is a surprising change from the previous system. Until now, Apple was happy to provide financing for iPhone buyers who want to “connect to a carrier later”, which opens up the possibility of using any number of carriers or even using the device without a cellular connection, as long as they make the purchase online. (In-store ACMI purchases were already limited to carrier-connected iPhones.) The new system will effectively limit customers to the big three carriers.
“Currently, carrier sign-in with AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon is required for all iPhone purchases made with ACMI from Apple Store locations only,” Apple said in a note on its website. “As of August 15, 2023, carrier sign-in with AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon is required for all iPhone purchases made with ACMI.”
It’s unclear at this point – and Apple certainly didn’t choose to clarify – why the company is making this change, but 9to5Mac speculates carriers may have exerted some pressure. The new policy is certainly beneficial for AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, which should see an increase in logins, more than for Apple customers. On the other hand, it’s hard to imagine Apple being pushed around in a market where it has significant leverage; maybe the company was just hoping we wouldn’t notice.
