Overview
- Multiple outlets report Apple will roll out the Apple Upgrade leasing program in the U.S. on Tuesday, July 28, with availability online and in Apple retail stores.
- The reported plans call for 24-month leases for iPhones and Apple Watches and 36-month leases for iPads and Macs, with a soft credit check and options to pay off early, upgrade early, keep the device or return it at term end.
- Apple is said to be partnering with Klarna to underwrite and operate the financing so the company does not carry the lease obligations on its own balance sheet.
- The new program reportedly will not include AppleCare and will exclude some lower-priced models and business and education purchases, and Apple plans to stop new signups for its existing iPhone Upgrade Program and standard financing for new customers.
- The move follows recent price increases on Macs and iPads driven by memory and storage cost pressures and could lower monthly costs for buyers while encouraging more frequent device turnover and larger trade‑in flows.