Apple has officially rolled out its new “Apple Upgrade” leasing program across the United States, offering consumers a more flexible and affordable pathway to own the company's premium devices. This initiative, which supersedes the previous iPhone Upgrade Program, allows customers to lease a range of Apple products, including iPhones, Apple Watches, Macs, and iPads, through monthly installments rather than a single upfront purchase.
Making Apple Devices More Accessible
The new program is designed to enhance accessibility for Apple's latest generation products. By partnering with the “buy now, pay later” service Klarna, Apple facilitates a payment structure that aims to be more economical than its predecessor. This collaboration enables eligible customers to spread the cost of their devices over time, making high-end technology more attainable for a broader audience.
What Products Are Included?
The Apple Upgrade Program encompasses a wide array of devices. Customers can lease:
- iPhones (starting at $17.99/month)
- Apple Watches (starting at $11.99/month)
- Macs (starting at $24.99/month)
- iPads (starting at $11.99/month)
These monthly payments do not automatically include AppleCare+, but customers have the option to extend their service coverage, which can also incorporate AppleCare One, for an additional fee.
It's important to note that while the majority of current iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watch models are included, some specific devices are excluded from the program. These include the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, Apple Watch SE, MacBook Neo, Mac mini, iPad (A16), and Studio Display.
Lease Durations and End-of-Term Options
The program offers varying lease durations based on the product type:
- iPhones and Apple Watches: Available for 12 or 24-month lease terms.
- Macs and iPads: Available for longer 24 or 36-month lease terms.
The monthly payment will naturally vary depending on the device chosen, its storage capacity, and the selected lease duration, with more expensive configurations incurring higher monthly costs.
Upon the conclusion of a lease agreement, customers are presented with three distinct options:
- Return the leased device and exit the program entirely.
- Make a final, one-time payment to cover the remaining value of the device, thereby purchasing it outright.
- Return the current device and initiate a new lease for a newer Apple product, allowing for continuous upgrades.
Transition from the iPhone Upgrade Program
With the launch of the Apple Upgrade Program, the existing iPhone Upgrade Program in the US is being discontinued. New enrollments or purchases under the old program are no longer possible. However, customers currently enrolled in the iPhone Upgrade Program can continue their existing monthly payments until their current iPhone is fully paid off.
For those who utilize an Apple Card, the Apple Card Monthly Installments plan remains an available option for purchasing Apple devices.