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Apple Ends iPhone Upgrade Program in the UK

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Apple has discontinued the iPhone Upgrade Program in the United Kingdom, moving to a more traditional financing system.

apple creation uk upgrade
The change appears to be related to Apple ending its partnership with Barclays bank, which supported the iPhone Upgrade Program in the UK. The iPhone Upgrade Program webpage in the country now says:

The iPhone Upgrade Program is coming to an end, but we think you'll love what's next.

You don't need to do anything right now, just keep making your remaining payments. When it's time for your next iPhone, the Flexible Finance Account will offer you a new, more flexible way to upgrade.

The iPhone Upgrade Program allows customers to get a new iPhone annually with AppleCare+ included for a monthly fee. It essentially provides a 0% APR, 20 or 24-month loan, usually with an upfront payment. After 11-12 payments, users can upgrade to the latest model, provided they trade in their current device in good condition.

To replace the program in the UK, Apple has debuted a new "Flexible Finance Account" in partnership with Creation.

The Flexible Finance Account provided by Creation is a line of credit that lets you spread the cost of your next Apple device, and it's available exclusively at the Apple Store. The good news is, it gives you even more options when it's time for the latest iPhone. Whether applying in-store or online, choose a plan that works for you and get ready to upgrade.

When a new iPhone is released, users can trade in their old device, and use the credit to pay off their associated plan.

Creation and PayPal Credit now fully replace Barclays for general Apple device financing in the UK. The iPhone Upgrade Program continues to be available in other countries.

Tags: Barclays Bank, iPhone Upgrade Program, United Kingdom

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Top Rated Comments

alternamelka Avatar
alternamelka
6 weeks ago
It seems the new Creation terms are more expensive.

For an iPhone Pro Max 256gb with AppleCare+Theft and Loss:
Currently paying £68.45 a month via iPhone Upgrade Program.
With Creation I would be paying £71.90 a month.

The increase in price sucks.

A major positive is that you can now sign up online rather than having to go in-store. (Although I did really enjoy my yearly trips on release day)
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
F
FNi
6 weeks ago
This is no loss - fwiw, the iPhone Upgrade Program UK was not the same as iPhone Upgrade Program US. Same branding, far worse experience.

First, none of it was online, you had to go in-store to both apply and request upgrades.

You're handed an iPad with a very long Barclay's loan application form. It took ages without a proper keyboard, and they run a hard credit check against you. Financing my car was quicker

After 12 months I went back for an upgrade - the process was even worse. They inspect your phone, you're handed the iPad application form to start all over again, they check your ID again, then they run another hard credit check. Once the second loan is approved, they call Barclays to cancel the first.

When I realised he was just repeating the process, I changed my mind and ran down the remaining 12 months.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C
casjohnr
6 weeks ago
At least the new finance company looks a bit more modern, the only way to manage your Barclays Partner Finance account was via some automated phone system!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
19callum93 Avatar
19callum93
6 weeks ago
Being an iPhone upgrade program user this absolutely sucks. I really enjoyed going to the store each year for the hype. Looks like the price is going up too 😭
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
O
Onelifenofear
6 weeks ago
Ah well I’ll get interest free credit card purely for a new phone + apple care then.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
D
DHA
6 weeks ago
Having used the iPhone upgrade programme in the UK for 4 years this won't be a loss for the user experience. Every time I went into a store to change phones I had to explain to the sales staff how the process actually worked and that no I wasn't simply trading in this phone and buying a new one on Barclays finance.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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