may have answered my own question, as I found this blog post from 2012 at http://www.creditscoreresource.com/what-credit-score-is-needed-for-apple-financing-2/40460:
Enter Apple financing. Apple financing gives you the option of applying for a line of Apple credit which can be used to by tablets, iPods, notebook computers, PC’s, accessories, service, and other necessary components. Lines of credit offered by Apple generally do not exceed $4,500 and this is only for those with impeccable credit scores. Apple issues its credit through Barclays, and international credit institution and in order to qualify for approval, it is advised that you have at least good credit.
While credit score is not the only factor that goes into the equation as to whether you are approved for Apple financing or not, it is recommended that your FICO score be at least 620 when applying. You will also need to have at least 24-months of good, solid credit history without any negative judgments. You will need to show that you have a history of making on-time payments, that you meet income guidelines, and that you have other lines of credit that have been extended to you.
Those with credit scores over 650 have a much better chance for approval and are likely to be extended higher credit limits than those with lower scores. As noted above though, credit score is not the only thing considered, as those with higher credit scores, who do not meet the other qualifications, have been denied credit, whereas those with lower credit scores, but that meet the qualifications have been approved.
If the above still holds true, then it sounds like I would not qualify for Apple financing!
