Apple processing iPhone Upgrade Program pre-approvals for iPhone 11

After an unveiling at a special event on Tuesday, Apple this afternoon began accepting loan pre-approval applications for iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max devices, allowing new and existing members of the iPhone Upgrade Program to get started on the process ahead of a start to preorders this Friday.

Members of the iPhone Upgrade Program can start the pre-approval process through the Apple Store app for iOS in a special section advertised just below product page links for iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11.

"Get preapproved now. Get low monthly payments on 9.13," Apple's ad reads.

The company goes on to remind customers that iPhone preorders start at 5 a.m. Pacific, a change from the typical midnight launch that in years past saw early adopters stay up late, or wake up early, to reserve their handset.

Tapping on the "Get started" link takes users to an iPhone selection page that includes a handy side-by-side feature comparison of iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro series.

While their design is similar, the iPhone 11 sports a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display (LCD), while the iPhone Pro and Pro Max boasts a 5.8- or 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display (OLED), respectively. Camera capabilities are another distinguishing factor of each new iPhone, as the LCD model comes with two rear-facing shooters to the OLED models' triple-lens array.

The iPhone 11's battery lasts one hour longer than its iPhone XR predecessor, but again iPhone 11 Pro ups the ante with up to 4 hours longer run time when compared to its iPhone XS forebear. Apple's iPhone 11 Pro goes even further with a battery that lasts up to 5 hours longer than the outgoing iPhone XS Max.

Finally, water resistance on the iPhone 11 is rated at two meters for up to 30 minutes, while the iPhone 11 Plus series can withstand ingress at four meters over the same period.

After making a decision, customers can select an iPhone 11 from $29.12 per month or iPhone 11 Pro from $41.62 a month. Buyers are ushered through a preapproval system that accounts for trade-ins, model selection, finish, capacity and carrier. A payment section allows users to enroll in iPhone Payments or the iPhone Upgrade Program, or note that they are already members. Finally, iPhone Upgrade Program customers can select whether they would like standard AppleCare+ or, for an added fee, AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss protection.

Preferences are locked in until preorders begin, meaning no changes can be made prior to 5 a.m. on Sept. 13. If approved, users will be able to visit the Apple Store app on Friday and breeze through checkout.

For those on the fence about Apple's latest handsets, AppleInsider was at Tuesday's event and spent some hands-on time with both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro.