Getting the latest iPhone usually means dropping a huge amount of money — unless you know where to look. Right now, Rakuten Mobile is running one of the most generous smartphone promotions in Japan: you can get the brand-new iPhone 16e for just ¥1 per month.
Sounds unbelievable? It’s not magic, it’s a clever combination of a device instalment program, a trade-in option, and Rakuten’s own mobile plan that makes this possible. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how this works, what conditions apply, and how to make the most of this deal (including earning up to 14,000 Rakuten Points when you sign up through a referral link).
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🔍 The Big Question: How Can an iPhone Cost ¥1?
When you see “iPhone for ¥1,” your first instinct might be: What’s the catch? The answer lies in Rakuten Mobile’s “Trade-In Super Savings Program” (買い替え超トクプログラム) — a financing plan designed to make high-end smartphones more affordable.
Here’s how it works:
You purchase the iPhone 16e from Rakuten Mobile and pay for it using a Rakuten Card.
The payment is divided into 48 monthly installments.
For the first 24 months, the payment is reduced to ¥1 per month.
If you return the device in good condition after 24 months, the remaining balance is waived.
That means you’ll have effectively used an iPhone 16e for two full years at a total cost of only ¥24.
It’s not a gimmick, it’s a structured buy-back plan combined with Rakuten’s competitive mobile service pricing.
Ready to take advantage of this deal? Here’s how to do it properly:
🪜 Step 1: Go to Rakuten Mobile’s Campaign Page
Head to the official Rakuten Mobile website and visit the iPhone 16e campaign page. 👉 Check it out here
🪜 Step 2: Choose Your Contract Type
You have two options:
New Application: if you’re joining Rakuten Mobile for the first time
MNP (Mobile Number Portability): if you’re switching from another carrier but want to keep your phone number
Both options qualify for the campaign.
🪜 Step 3: Select the “Trade-In Super Savings Program”
Choose the 48-month payment option with a Rakuten Card and enrol in the trade-in program.
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🪜 Step 4: Submit and Wait for Delivery
After completing the online process, Rakuten will verify your information and ship your iPhone 16e. You’ll get your new phone within a few days, ready to activate with your Rakuten Mobile plan.
💰 Bonus: Earn Up to 14,000 Rakuten Points
Rakuten Mobile sweetens the deal with an additional referral campaign that gives you bonus Rakuten Points when you sign up through a special link.
Depending on your application type, you can earn the following:
By signing up this way, you not only get the iPhone 16e at an unbelievable price but also earn extra points you can spend on Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Travel, or even your next phone bill.
⚙️ What You Need to Know Before Applying
Before you hit that “Apply Now” button, here are a few key things to keep in mind:
🧾 1. You Need a Rakuten Card
The 48-month payment option is only available for Rakuten Card holders. If you don’t have one yet, it’s free to apply, and you’ll often get extra Rakuten Points as a welcome bonus.
🔁 2. You Must Return the Device After 24 Months
To qualify for the “¥1 per month” rate, you’ll need to return the phone after two years. If you decide to keep it, you’ll pay the remaining balance in instalments.
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📱 3. The Device Must Be in Good Condition
When returning the phone, it must be working properly and free from serious damage (like a cracked screen or water damage). Otherwise, additional fees may apply.
⏰ 4. This Campaign is Limited-Time
Rakuten hasn’t announced an end date, but the offer will likely last only while stocks remain. Given how quickly iPhone promotions sell out in Japan, it’s smart to act soon.
🧠 Why This Deal Is Worth Considering
Let’s be honest — Japan’s smartphone market is competitive, but this campaign stands out. Apple rarely discounts iPhones directly, and carriers like Docomo or SoftBank tend to require long contracts or add-on fees.
Rakuten’s approach is simpler:
No hidden contract penalties.
Transparent monthly pricing.
Freedom to upgrade after 2 years.
For digital nomads, students, or anyone who wants to stay current with Apple’s releases without breaking the bank, this deal is practically unmatched.
🏁 Final Thoughts: The Smartest Way to Own the iPhone 16e
To recap:
You can get the iPhone 16e for just ¥1/month × 24 months through Rakuten Mobile’s Trade-In Super Savings Program.
After 24 months, return the device and walk away without paying the remaining balance.
Earn up to 14,000 Rakuten Points when you join using the referral link.
That’s an iPhone for less than the price of a lunch set — plus enough Rakuten Points to treat yourself later.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to upgrade your phone, this is it.
