The three major telecommunications companies in South Korea—SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus—are gearing up to attract customers ahead of the pre-order launch for the new iPhone models on September 12. The official release date is set for September 18.
SKT Enhances Discounts and Trade-In Offers
SK Telecom is ramping up its discount offerings to ease the financial burden of purchasing the new iPhone.Until September 18, customers can participate in a 'Lucky Roulette Event' to win vouchers for purchasing the new iPhone. Customers buying the 256GB or 512GB models can receive vouchers worth up to 200,000 won, while those purchasing the 1TB or 2TB models can get vouchers worth up to 300,000 won. These vouchers can be used during the pre-order period and until September 30.
Customers can also benefit from trade-in offers. For a used iPhone 17 Pro 256GB in good condition, a maximum compensation of 1.22 million won is available, along with additional rewards of up to 150,000 won through the 'Mint All Compensation' and 'Additional Compensation for Used Phones' programs.
There are also card benefits. Customers purchasing through the T Direct Shop with a Hyundai Card can take advantage of a 36-month interest-free installment plan. If they meet certain conditions, they can receive up to 1.18 million won in benefits, including a popular coupon pack worth 34,000 won from stores like Daiso and Olive Young.
Customers who complete their activation by September 18 will receive a two-month subscription to T Universe's Google AI Plus (400GB) and a four-month subscription to Tving's ad-supported standard plan.
Customers purchasing the new iPhone along with the latest AirPods, Apple Watch, or iPad can also reduce their installment burden by utilizing discounts on smart device installment payments.
KT Offers Diverse Plans and Same-Day Delivery Service
KT is focusing on customer acquisition through various plans and a same-day delivery guarantee service.KT's 'Choice Double' plan includes options like 'Choice Double YouTube Premium + Netflix', 'Choice Double YouTube Premium + Google AI Plus', and 'Choice Double Disney+ + Phone Care', allowing customers to select benefits based on their preferences.
The Phone Care service offers protection against device loss, theft, and damage. The Phone Change_i18 service provides up to 50% coverage of the original price if customers return their old phones after two years for a monthly fee of 5,000 won.
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of KT's youth brand 'Y', customers who purchase the new iPhone and enter a draw at the KT Direct Shop will have a chance to win a limited edition 'Y Birthday Gift' package.
Using partnership cards can yield benefits of up to 1.44 million won. By applying double discounts with the KT Installment Plus KB Kookmin Card and KT Family Satisfaction Installment Shinhan Card, customers can receive a maximum of 1.29 million won in bill discounts over 24 months, along with an additional 150,000 won in cashback.
The KT Direct Shop also offers a 'Same-Day Delivery Guarantee Service'. Customers who pre-order will receive their iPhones on the official launch day.
Customers who purchase the new iPhone and the new Apple Watch together and sign up for a plan costing over 90,000 won will receive an additional 200,000 won in support for the new Apple Watch, limited to the first 1,000 customers.
LG Uplus Introduces AI Exio Roaming Call and Voice Phishing Protection
LG Uplus is launching new AI-based services.
Customers activating the iPhone 18 Pro series will have access to the AI calling app Exio, which offers call recording and a 'Roaming Call' feature for international voice calls. Additionally, a new 'Voice Phishing Financial Safety' feature will detect phishing risks in real-time during calls.
The 'AI Call Answering' feature uses the actual voices of members from the global K-POP group 'Boy Next Door', who will answer calls on behalf of customers who are unable to pick up, relaying the caller's message in real-time text for easy response.
Partnership card rewards are also available. Customers paying with Samsung Card or Hyundai Card can benefit from up to 36 months of interest-free installments, and Samsung Card users may receive cashback of up to 100,000 won based on certain conditions.
Additionally, customers who pre-order and purchase will have a chance to win prizes like the LG Standby ME2 MAX through a lottery. Customers who pre-order through the U+ official online store can utilize the 'Morning Delivery' service to receive their devices on the morning of the official launch date.
Customers subscribing to plans of 'Plus Plan 115' or higher and using 'U+ Mobile Payment' for iCloud 200GB will have their fees waived for 24 months.
A device management program is also available to reduce the burden of repairs and replacements for the iPhone 18. From September 12 to October 6, customers who pre-order the iPhone 18 and activate it while signing up for the 'Phone Replacement Pass' will receive a MagSafe-compatible mini power bank (5,000mAh).
Customers who purchase the iPhone 18 and switch to a new iPhone from LG Uplus after 24 months can receive compensation of up to 50% of the original price of their previous device when returning it.
Meanwhile, the domestic retail price for the iPhone 18 Pro starts at 1.99 million won, while the Pro Max starts at 2.19 million won. Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, will be released in the country on October 23, starting at 3.29 million won.
Customers activating the iPhone 18 Pro series will have access to the AI calling app Exio, which offers call recording and a 'Roaming Call' feature for international voice calls. Additionally, a new 'Voice Phishing Financial Safety' feature will detect phishing risks in real-time during calls.
The 'AI Call Answering' feature uses the actual voices of members from the global K-POP group 'Boy Next Door', who will answer calls on behalf of customers who are unable to pick up, relaying the caller's message in real-time text for easy response.
Partnership card rewards are also available. Customers paying with Samsung Card or Hyundai Card can benefit from up to 36 months of interest-free installments, and Samsung Card users may receive cashback of up to 100,000 won based on certain conditions.
Additionally, customers who pre-order and purchase will have a chance to win prizes like the LG Standby ME2 MAX through a lottery. Customers who pre-order through the U+ official online store can utilize the 'Morning Delivery' service to receive their devices on the morning of the official launch date.
Customers subscribing to plans of 'Plus Plan 115' or higher and using 'U+ Mobile Payment' for iCloud 200GB will have their fees waived for 24 months.
A device management program is also available to reduce the burden of repairs and replacements for the iPhone 18. From September 12 to October 6, customers who pre-order the iPhone 18 and activate it while signing up for the 'Phone Replacement Pass' will receive a MagSafe-compatible mini power bank (5,000mAh).
Customers who purchase the iPhone 18 and switch to a new iPhone from LG Uplus after 24 months can receive compensation of up to 50% of the original price of their previous device when returning it.
Meanwhile, the domestic retail price for the iPhone 18 Pro starts at 1.99 million won, while the Pro Max starts at 2.19 million won. Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, will be released in the country on October 23, starting at 3.29 million won.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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