Apple has introduced Apple Upgrade in the US, allowing customers to lease iPhones, Macs, iPads and Apple Watches through flexible monthly payments with upgrade, purchase or return options.
WEBDESK – HAJIRA IRFAN – NJNEWSLINE
Apple Rolls Out a New Way to Own Its Devices
Buying the latest Apple device has become increasingly expensive, leaving many consumers searching for more affordable ways to upgrade. As technology prices continue to rise, Apple has introduced a new payment option designed to reduce the burden of paying the full cost upfront. Through its newly launched Apple Upgrade program, eligible customers in the United States can now lease selected Apple devices by making monthly payments instead of paying the full retail price at once. The initiative aims to make Apple’s premium products more accessible while giving users greater flexibility over how they purchase and upgrade their devices. The launch also reflects a broader trend in the consumer electronics industry, where flexible payment plans have become increasingly popular as shoppers look for ways to spread the cost of expensive technology purchases.
Klarna Partnership Brings Flexible Financing
Apple has partnered with financial technology company Klarna to operate the leasing program. Klarna will manage customer applications and lease agreements, while customers can apply through Apple Stores, the Apple Store app or Apple’s official website. According to Apple, the application process begins with a soft credit inquiry, meaning the initial credit check does not affect a customer’s credit score. Customers who trade in an eligible Apple device may also qualify for lower monthly payments, making the program even more affordable.
Popular Apple Devices Are Included
Apple Upgrade covers several of the company’s best-selling products, including eligible iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads and Mac computers.
Customers can choose lease terms ranging from *12 to 36 months*, depending on the product. Monthly payments start at $17.99 for an iPhone, while the exact amount depends on the selected device, lease period and any available trade-in credit. Apple says customers can compare different leasing options before completing their application, allowing them to choose a payment plan that best matches their budget and needs.
Customers Can Upgrade, Buy or Return
One of the biggest features of the new program is the flexibility it offers when the lease ends.
Instead of being locked into one option, customers can upgrade to a newer Apple device by starting another lease, purchase the device they have been using with a final payment, or simply return it and leave the program. This gives users greater freedom to decide what works best for them at the end of their agreement.
Apple Moves Beyond Older Financing Plans
The introduction of Apple Upgrade also marks a shift in Apple’s financing strategy. The company is no longer accepting new enrollments in its previous iPhone Upgrade Program and iPhone Payments plans in the United States.
Existing customers can continue using their current agreements before deciding whether to switch to Apple Upgrade when they become eligible.
A Strategy Focused on Long-Term Customer Loyalty
For now, Apple Upgrade is available only in the United States, and the company has not announced plans to expand the service internationally. However, the launch signals a broader change in how Apple wants customers to buy its products.
By combining flexible monthly payments with simple upgrade options, Apple is responding to changing consumer spending habits while encouraging users to remain within its ecosystem. If the program proves successful, it could influence how other technology companies approach device financing, making monthly leasing a more common option for consumers who want access to premium technology without paying the full price upfront.
