Microsoft today ended its Surface Plus financing program for consumers, shuttering the service for new enrollees just a year after it first launched.
The move was first spotted by OnMSFT as an update to the Surface Plus promotional page. The page now displays a short message, reading:
Microsoft is ending new enrollment into the Surface Plus Program, financed by Klarna, starting August 31st, 2018.
In an accompanying FAQ, Microsoft notes that, while the service will no longer be available for new enrollees, things will continue to operate as normal for existing Surface Plus customers. Those who took advantage of the program will continue to make payments through the 24-month plan, and accounts in good standing after 18 monthly payments will still be eligible to upgrade to a new device on a new 24-month plan.
As of September 30, Microsoft will also shut the doors on the Surface Plus online portal. Existing customers will have to reach out to Microsoft by phone to address any questions or concerns about their plans.
While Surface Plus for consumers is ending, the Surface Plus for Business program will continue on as normal.
Without a definitive explanation from Microsoft, it's unclear why the program is ending so soon. Possibilities range from there not being enough interest from consumers to Microsoft simply deciding to end its relationship with Klarna, the creditor behind the program. While the reasoning is open to speculation, the move comes at an interesting time; Microsoft this week just opened up a new financing program for Xbox called Xbox All Access, which provides a new console, along with 24 months of Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass for one monthly fee.
