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Less than two months after its launch, Best Buy on Tuesday expanded its Apple PC upgrade program, helping people fund an iMac or Mac Studio desktop in addition to their existing PC. MacBook laptop offer from October. In any case, customers can finance an Apple computer for 36 months with the option to purchase outright at the end of the three-year cycle or have it delivered for a newer model.
The move, which offers financing options, Citizen Financialis one of the first of its kind to bring smartphone-like payment and upgrade programs to the computer market. Best Buy’s program starts at $20 a month. $999 Macbook, if customers are approved for a 0% interest rate after a credit check, they will have $280.35 due on the device. If they swap for another MacBook, the payments continue and Best Buy “makes the final payment on behalf of the customer.” Best Buy will also cover the final payment if a customer delivers the laptop instead of upgrading or paying the final price.
“We’re excited about the customer interest we’ve seen in the Upgrade Plus program over the past few months,” said Best Buy’s head of sales, Jason Bonfig, in a statement. “It’s great to partner with Apple to bring this program to the iMac now, especially at a time when customers are looking for more value than ever before.”
Read more: The Best MacBook of 2022
Best Buy’s move to expand its Upgrade program came as monthly funding and subscription plans became increasingly popular in the tech industry. For example, Apple does not offer a similar upgrade program for its computers, but Makes for iPhones. Other companies, including the software giant Microsoft, They have increasingly turned to financing and subscriptions to attract new customers. low upfront costs For Xbox video game consoles.
Environmental advocates believe these subscriptions may have another benefit. Companies and retailers effectively encourage people to hand over devices when they are ready to upgrade; this too”closed loop” recycling where old machines are kept out of landfills. Instead, torn or refurbished for parts and reused by someone else.
Read more: A Fully Recycled Phone Is Harder Than Thought, Even for Samsung and Apple
Best Buy said it plans to similarly find a “second life” for working devices delivered through its program.
The company’s thin line states that the program does not include make-to-order models or open-box, pre-owned or refurbished items. Citizens Financial will also charge interest between 0% and 29.99% per annum, depending on the customer’s creditworthiness.
