Good morning. It’s まさきん.
The foldable iPhone Duo was just announced, and I caught the news this morning.
Honestly, seeing that screen unfold to such a large size got me excited.
But then I saw the price, and reality snapped me right back.
Rakuten Mobile Is Still Backing the iPhone 17
First, I checked what Rakuten Mobile currently carries.
The iPhone Duo and the iPhone 18 series aren’t in the lineup yet.
The iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max look set to remain the mainstays for a while longer.
As for the iPhone Duo, the 256GB model reportedly starts at 364,800 yen.
Whenever a new model comes out, checking this is always my first move.
Clicking this opens the Rakuten login page. Once you log in, you’ll see the campaign details.
How the Kaikae Choutoku Program Works
Whether the iPhone Duo will even qualify for this program is still unknown.
Since it hasn’t launched yet, we’ll have to wait for the eligible models to be announced.
Still, I wanted to get my head around how the program itself works while I have the time.
- Buy an eligible device on a 48-installment plan
- Return the device from month 25 onward
- The remaining roughly 24 payments are waived
- Payment is only accepted via Rakuten Card
For models that currently qualify, this program looks like a solid way to keep your monthly payments down.
There are conditions on the return, though. You need to send the device back within 20 days of receiving your new one. Any damage can cost you up to 22,000 yen, and there’s also a 3,300 yen administrative fee on top of that. Basically, you’re expected to keep the phone in good shape the whole time you’re using it.
In Our House, Family Agreement Is the Real Key
Setting aside whether it even qualifies for the program, a price tag in the 360,000-yen range is nothing to shrug off.
In our house, the more a purchase falls into “personal hobby” territory, the more I make a point of talking it over with my partner beforehand.
Whether the money comes out of our shared household budget or my own discretionary funds changes how that conversation goes.
- Does this come out of the shared household budget, or my own discretionary funds?
- How much can we comfortably keep paying every month?
- How much longer was I planning to keep using my current phone anyway?
Sorting things into these points ahead of time seems to make the conversation with my partner go a lot faster.
Whether or not I end up buying the iPhone Duo, it looks like this question of agreement will come well before any talk of specs.
Pricing and eligible models may change going forward. Before actually using the program, I’d recommend checking the official site for the latest details.
Clicking this opens the Rakuten login page. Once you log in, you’ll see the campaign details.
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