Snippet: Apple to Discontinue Apple Card Financing for iPhones Bought Without a Carrier Connection ☇

Chance Miller for 9to5Mac:

Apple is making a major change to its Apple Card Monthly Installment purchase option for iPhone buyers. Starting in August, Apple says that it will no longer allow customers to purchase SIM-free iPhone models using Apple Card financing. Instead, carrier connection with AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon will be required.

While I’m glad you can still buy a SIM-free (aka unlocked) model outright, it’s frustrating that Apple seems to be cozying up to the postpaid carriers more for iPhone sales, rather than treating them like the dumb pipes that they are. The rising popularity of prepaid carriers has also meant that more people would be inclined to finance using an Apple Card, especially as those brands tend to either have somewhat predatory leasing options or require you to buy the device outright.