Apple seemingly halts product financing for UK customers
Apple has apparently discontinued product financing in the UK, as the company on Tuesday removed an informational webpage detailing those options and scrubbed its regional online store of references to installment plans.
Cached version of Apple's UK financing webpage.
While not confirmed, modifications to Apple's UK site strongly suggest the firm is no longer offering consumer financing through its online and physical retail channels.
As noted by MacRumors, which spotted the change, Apple's dedicated UK financing page is no longer active. Links to the now vacant web asset redirect to Apple's homepage.
In addition, financing options are no longer displayed when placing online orders. Prior to the change, an "Instalments" button appeared at checkout which, when clicked, allowed customers to select an installment plan offered by PayPal Credit or Barclays.
It appears the policy update applies only to consumers, as educational purchases can still be financed through Apple Financial Services. Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program, which provides financing through Barclays, is also untouched.
Apple previously partnered with PayPal Credit to offer financing on purchases of 99 or more, while Barclays offered payment plans for purchases of at least 399. Both companies promised instant approval decisions and competitive rates starting at 14.9 percent.
Without an integrated installment system backed by third-party vendors, UK consumers in need of financial assistance will need to seek their own credit solutions prior to purchasing Apple products through the Apple store.
As individual financing ends in the UK, Apple is reportedly in talks with Goldman Sachs to offer consumer loans through that company's Marcus product. A relatively new lending service, Marcus integrates with existing checkout systems to present customers loans carrying an interest rate of about 12 percent.
Cached version of Apple's UK financing webpage.
While not confirmed, modifications to Apple's UK site strongly suggest the firm is no longer offering consumer financing through its online and physical retail channels.
As noted by MacRumors, which spotted the change, Apple's dedicated UK financing page is no longer active. Links to the now vacant web asset redirect to Apple's homepage.
In addition, financing options are no longer displayed when placing online orders. Prior to the change, an "Instalments" button appeared at checkout which, when clicked, allowed customers to select an installment plan offered by PayPal Credit or Barclays.
It appears the policy update applies only to consumers, as educational purchases can still be financed through Apple Financial Services. Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program, which provides financing through Barclays, is also untouched.
Apple previously partnered with PayPal Credit to offer financing on purchases of 99 or more, while Barclays offered payment plans for purchases of at least 399. Both companies promised instant approval decisions and competitive rates starting at 14.9 percent.
Without an integrated installment system backed by third-party vendors, UK consumers in need of financial assistance will need to seek their own credit solutions prior to purchasing Apple products through the Apple store.
As individual financing ends in the UK, Apple is reportedly in talks with Goldman Sachs to offer consumer loans through that company's Marcus product. A relatively new lending service, Marcus integrates with existing checkout systems to present customers loans carrying an interest rate of about 12 percent.
Comments
So have they stopped offering it, or have they decided not to advertise it?
Base 13 MBP in the UK in GBP1249 or USD1742
Base 13 MBP in Aus is AUD1899 or USD1440
Consumer protection laws in Australia are open-ended. The product needs to last as long as it should given the price and quality that the product is held out to be. I've had no problem getting stuff replaced (after a little encouragement for Apple items that are 3+ years old).