HomeWinBuzzer NewsMicrosoft Shutters Surface Plus Hardware Financing Program After One Year

Microsoft Shutters Surface Plus Hardware Financing Program After One Year

Surface Plus allowed users to spread the cost of a Surface Pro over two years and get upgrade after 18 months. Microsoft has now closed the program to new customers.

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A year ago, rolled out its Surface Plus financing model for the . Essentially, the program allowed customers to spread the cost of the Surface device. However, it seems the program was not a success as Microsoft has decided to shutter it.

The company stopped accepting new customers last week, effectively ending the Surface Plus program. In a FAQ on the matter, Microsoft said it had put “much thought and consideration” into the future of the financing model but decided to remove it.

You may remember the company allowed customers to buy their Surface Pro over a two-year period. This was achieved through the so-called Klarna Financing plans. Working as an upgrade program, users would be able to trade in their existing Surface for a new model after 18 months.

We have seen other companies take this approach, most notably Apple. Microsoft did not explain why it decided to end Surface Plus, although the obvious explanation would be a lack of consumer interest.

Speaking of consumers, there are certainly those who did embrace the plan. Microsoft says all current monthly buyers will see their contract honoured. Furthermore, the company says they will still be eligible for an upgrade after 18 months.

With the program now closed for new business, Microsoft will shut down the Surface Plus portal on September 30.

Future Hardware Subscriptions

While Surface Plus has been something of a failure (or maybe a successful experiment?), Microsoft has not been deterred from locking hardware into a subscription model. Just last month the company debuted its Xbox All Access bundle.

All Access groups an Xbox One console with Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live for a monthly fee. It will be interesting to see if gamers are more willing to embrace paying monthly than professionals and IT consumers.

Last Updated on April 9, 2020 11:17 am CEST by Luke Jones

SourceMicrosoft
Luke Jones
Luke Jones
Luke has been writing about all things tech for more than five years. He is following Microsoft closely to bring you the latest news about Windows, Office, Azure, Skype, HoloLens and all the rest of their products.

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