Apple Officially Launches Apple Upgrade Leasing Program in the United States

 

  

Apple has officially launched Apple Upgrade, a new leasing program that allows customers in the United States to get the latest iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, and iPad through flexible monthly payment plans.

The new service is available through the Apple Online Store, the Apple Store app, and Apple retail locations across the U.S. Financing is provided by Klarna, replacing Apple's long-running iPhone Upgrade Program for new customers.

Flexible Lease Options for Apple Devices

Apple Upgrade offers multiple leasing terms depending on the product:

• iPhone: 12 or 24 months
• Apple Watch: 12 or 24 months
• Mac: 24 or 36 months
• iPad: 24 or 36 months

Monthly pricing starts at:

• $17.99/month for iPhone
• $11.99/month for Apple Watch
• $24.99/month for Mac
• $11.99/month for iPad

Customers can also reduce their monthly payments by trading in an eligible device through Apple Trade In. 

Simple Application Process

Apple says customers can apply for Apple Upgrade in just a few minutes either online or in-store.

Applications are processed through Klarna using a soft credit check, meaning applying will not affect a customer's credit score.

Once approved, customers can immediately complete their purchase, choose home delivery, or pick up their device from a nearby Apple Store.

Several Options at the End of the Lease

When the lease period ends, customers can choose to:

• Upgrade to a newer Apple device
• Purchase the leased device with a final payment
• Return the device and leave the program

Users can also manage payments, lease information, and billing schedules directly through the Klarna app. See more

AppleCare Available Separately

Customers can add an AppleCare subscription to protect their leased devices throughout the agreement.

Unlike Apple's previous iPhone Upgrade Program, AppleCare is no longer included automatically and must be added separately.

Existing iPhone Upgrade Program Is Ending

With the launch of Apple Upgrade, Apple is no longer accepting new enrollments for the iPhone Upgrade Program or iPhone Payments in the United States.

Current members of the older program can continue with their existing plans and later choose between Apple Upgrade, Apple Card Monthly Installments, carrier financing, or purchasing devices outright.

Latest Apple Devices Included

Apple Upgrade supports the company's newest hardware lineup, including:

iPhone

Eligible models include the iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Apple Watch

Customers can lease both the Apple Watch Series 11 and the rugged Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Mac

The program includes the latest Mac lineup, such as:

• MacBook Air with M5
• MacBook Pro with M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max
• iMac with M4
• Mac Studio with M4 Max and M3 Ultra

iPad

Supported iPads include:

• iPad Air
• iPad Pro
• iPad mini

Compatible accessories like Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard are also available separately.

Why Apple Introduced Apple Upgrade

The new leasing program makes Apple's premium products more accessible by lowering upfront costs and giving customers greater flexibility.

Instead of paying the full purchase price at once, users can spread payments over time while retaining the option to upgrade regularly to the latest devices.

The move also allows Apple to simplify its financing options while encouraging long-term customer loyalty.

Final Thoughts

Apple Upgrade represents one of the company's biggest changes to device financing in recent years. With flexible lease terms, lower monthly payments, trade-in support, and multiple end-of-lease options, the program offers customers another way to access Apple's latest products.

For users who enjoy upgrading frequently, the new program could be an attractive alternative to traditional financing. However, customers should carefully compare the total cost of leasing versus buying outright before deciding which option best fits their needs.  See More