15-inch MacBook Air
UK satellite broadcaster and mobile operator Sky has launched a purchase plan for customers to buy a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, with prices starting from 22 pounds ($28) per month.
Sky's new purchase plans work similarly to those offered for tablets, a common offering of mobile networks alongside smartphones. The difference is that Sky's applied the concept to pretty much the entire MacBook Pro and MacBook Air range.
Like those for its tablets and smartphones, the program lets users sign up for a three or four-year contract with a fixed initial upfront fee and a constant per-month payment. Going for the longer contract brings the price per month down quite a bit, such as the 24-pound ($30.50) upfront fee and 31-pound ($39.50) monthly charge for an M1 MacBook Air reducing to 12 pounds ($15.25) and 22 pounds respectively.
Somewhat reminiscent of Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program, subscribers have the option to upgrade their MacBook model when there's at least 12 months left on the contract. The early upgrade does effectively set up a new contract period, but it does allow customers to get hold of new hardware quicker.
The models on offer also include the M2 version of the MacBook Air, the 15-inch MacBook Air, and an M2 13-inch MacBook Pro. The 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro are also available, but it is unclear whether the versions sold use the M2 Pro or M2 Max.
Customers do have the choice of color in many instances, but storage options are limited and at the low end of Apple's scale. The maximum storage capacity for a MacBook offered through the storefront is 512GB.
One element of the purchase is that customers must sign up for a compatible dongle for a data plan connection, one that is subject to a minimum 12-month term. While that may not necessarily be wanted by customers, Sky does at least offer an option for a 100MB plan for 12 months discounted to make it free.
