The service launches today in the US, offering 24-month terms for mobile devices and 36-month plans for laptops and tablets. Pricing begins at $17.99 monthly for the iPhone 17e, while entry-level costs for the Apple Watch series 11, MacBook Air, and iPad Air sit at $11.99, $24.99, and $11.99 respectively. Unlike the legacy iPhone Upgrade Program, which is now closed to new users, the current iteration excludes AppleCare coverage.
Apple Shifts to Leasing Model for Entire Hardware Lineup
Customers can now lease iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches directly through Apple’s new ‘Upgrade’ program, a strategic pivot that mirrors automotive financing. By partnering with Klarna, the company is moving to maintain hardware sales volume despite recent price hikes across its premium product categories.
Approval requires a soft credit check, with options to upgrade, purchase, or return hardware at the end of the term. This expansion arrives as CEO Tim Cook signals that current pricing structures may soon face further adjustments due to ongoing component shortages. Meanwhile, technical indicators in recent iOS 27 beta software suggest the company is developing mechanisms to restrict app access on financed devices if payments fall into arrears.
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