Apple's installment-based iPhone trade-up program comes to France, Italy & Spain

Apple on Friday brought its "Trade Up with Installments" program to France, Italy, and Spain, expanding it beyond U.S. borders for the first time.

Residents in those countries can now trade in an Android, Windows, or older iPhone device as credit towards a two-year installment plan. In France, for instance, trading in an iPhone 6 will let someone get an iPhone 6s for €22.74 per month, or €545.76 in total after interest. 

Despite Italy and Spain also being on the euro, payments can vary considerably. The above trade-in would cost €23.13 per month in Italy, but only €21.42 in Spain.

Apple has paired with different companies in each country for financing support, namely Sofinco in France, Agos Ducato in Italy, and Cetelem in Spain. Shoppers can't apply online, and the new European programs are set to expire on August 31.

That date is likely not a coincidence, since Apple typically announces new iPhones in September, and may want people to pay for those devices upfront, even if they choose Apple's normal trade-in plan offering a one-time credit for an old phone. Alternately, the company may simply need to pause and refresh installment options.