The initiative functions similarly to automotive leasing, providing customers the flexibility to upgrade devices early or return them at the end of a 24-month term for phones and watches, or 36 months for iPads and computers. According to Mark Gurman, the program requires only a soft credit check, marking a significant shift from the existing iPhone Upgrade Program. Notably, this new iteration excludes AppleCare coverage, which has seen its own recent price hikes.
Apple Prepares Lease-to-Own Model for Hardware Lineup
With hardware costs climbing, Apple is reportedly pivoting toward a lease-based model for its flagship devices. Starting July 28, the company intends to replace its current financing options with a comprehensive program backed by Klarna, allowing users to cycle through iPhones, Macs, and iPads under a new ownership structure.
Not every device will qualify for the service. Entry-level hardware, including the base iPad, iPhone 16, and Apple Watch SE, are excluded, as is the MacBook Neo. This rollout follows a broad round of price increases across Apple’s ecosystem. While the current iPhone lineup avoided these hikes, expectations for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro suggest that the company’s push into leasing may serve as a critical buffer for consumers facing higher retail price points.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first!