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Apple Upgrade

All articles tagged with #apple upgrade

Apple Scraps Pre-Configured Device Delivery for New Leasing Program
technology2 months ago

Apple Scraps Pre-Configured Device Delivery for New Leasing Program

Apple abandoned a planned 'white-glove' feature for its new Apple Upgrade leasing program that would have delivered replacement devices pre-loaded with customer data. The scrapped idea, reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, aimed to eliminate setup time by restoring iCloud backups before shipping. Apple likely dropped the concept due to privacy concerns, as pre-installing personal data could raise questions about data handling and security. The standard Apple Upgrade program, launched in the U.S. on July 28, allows leasing iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches for 12 to 36 months without this automated setup convenience.

Apple Prepares for Premium iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra Launch with Financing and Trade-In Shifts
technology2 months ago

Apple Prepares for Premium iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra Launch with Financing and Trade-In Shifts

Apple is preparing for a high-priced September launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone Ultra by introducing a new leasing program, raising trade-in values, and expanding eligibility for Android devices. The standard iPhone 18 is delayed until spring 2027, leaving the premium models to carry the fall release with starting prices potentially reaching $2,500.

Apple Lifts Trade-In Values by Up to 30% Amid Rising Hardware Costs
technology2 months ago

Apple Lifts Trade-In Values by Up to 30% Amid Rising Hardware Costs

Apple updated its U.S. trade-in program on August 6, 2026, raising estimated values for most iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. The Mac Studio saw the largest jump, increasing by $260 to $1,305, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max now tops the phone list at $720. Apple also added several newer Android devices, including Google Pixel 9 models and OnePlus 13, to its eligible list for the first time.

Apple Upgrade Leasing Tied to Major Carrier Deals and Fraud Controls
technology2 months ago

Apple Upgrade Leasing Tied to Major Carrier Deals and Fraud Controls

Apple’s new Upgrade program requires iPhone lessees to connect to AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon at enrollment, a condition driven by multi-million dollar carrier deals and fraud prevention. While the phones remain unlocked for later switching, this restriction contrasts with the broader industry shift toward leasing models aimed at retaining customers amid lengthening replacement cycles.

Apple Launches 'Apple Upgrade' Leasing to Counter Rising Device Costs
technology2 months ago

Apple Launches 'Apple Upgrade' Leasing to Counter Rising Device Costs

Apple has launched 'Apple Upgrade,' a leasing program for iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches in the US, facilitated by Klarna. The program offers 12- to 36-month terms with monthly payments starting at $17.99 for iPhones and $11.99 for watches. It replaces the previous installment plan, requiring a residual payment at the end of the term rather than full ownership. Analysts suggest this strategy helps Apple maintain upgrade cycles despite rising device prices and memory shortages, though critics warn it may increase long-term consumer costs.

Apple Upgrade Leasing Program Expands Amid iOS 26.6 Release and Hardware Price Hikes
technology3 months ago

Apple Upgrade Leasing Program Expands Amid iOS 26.6 Release and Hardware Price Hikes

Apple has launched 'Apple Upgrade,' a new leasing program in the U.S. that replaces the previous iPhone Upgrade Program. Backed by Klarna, the service allows customers to lease iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches with terms ranging from 12 to 36 months. Simultaneously, Apple released iOS 26.6, a security-focused update preparing devices for the upcoming iOS 27 launch. The leasing program arrives as Apple increases prices for several iPhone models due to rising chip costs, with the new foldable iPhone Duo starting at $1,999.

Apple Stock Dips 1.4% as New Klarna Leasing Program Launches
technology3 months ago

Apple Stock Dips 1.4% as New Klarna Leasing Program Launches

Apple shares fell 1.41% to $333.43 on July 30, 2026, following the launch of 'Apple Upgrade,' a new leasing program partnered with Klarna. The program replaces the previous iPhone Upgrade Program, offering lower monthly payments for iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Watches without bundled AppleCare. While it lowers upfront costs, critics note it shifts ownership dynamics and may not benefit long-term buyers.

Apple Upgrade Leasing Replaces Financing: Key Differences and Risks Explained
technology3 months ago

Apple Upgrade Leasing Replaces Financing: Key Differences and Risks Explained

Apple has replaced its iPhone Upgrade Program with a new, broader leasing service called Apple Upgrade, backed by Klarna. Unlike the previous financing model where users owned the device, Apple Upgrade is a lease where users do not own the hardware unless they pay a buyout fee at the end of the term. The new program covers iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches, offering lower monthly payments but requiring a final lump sum to own the device. While the old program included AppleCare, the new lease makes it optional. Critics warn that continuous leasing may cost more than buying outright, while proponents note it lowers the barrier to entry for expensive hardware.

Apple's New Lease Model Challenges Smartphone Ownership
technology3 months ago

Apple's New Lease Model Challenges Smartphone Ownership

Apple has launched 'Apple Upgrade,' a hardware-as-a-service program allowing users to lease iPhones, Macs, and other devices for monthly fees instead of buying them outright. The initiative, financed through a partnership with Klarna, replaces the previous upgrade program and aims to lower the barrier to entry for high-end tech amidst rising component costs. While it offers flexibility and lower upfront costs, critics argue it locks consumers into perpetual rental cycles and erodes traditional ownership rights.

Apple Launches 'Upgrade' Leasing Program via Klarna to Offset Recent Price Hikes
technology3 months ago

Apple Launches 'Upgrade' Leasing Program via Klarna to Offset Recent Price Hikes

Apple has launched 'Apple Upgrade,' a new leasing program for iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches in partnership with Klarna. The program offers zero-interest leases with no down payment, starting at $17.99 per month for an iPhone. While critics note the timing follows recent price increases, the model ensures customers never pay more than the original list price if they choose to buy out the device at the end of the lease term.

Apple Clarifies iOS 27 'Restricted Mode' Excludes New Lease Program
technology3 months ago

Apple Clarifies iOS 27 'Restricted Mode' Excludes New Lease Program

Apple confirmed to The Verge that the 'Restricted Mode' feature in iOS 27 will not be triggered by missed payments on its new Apple Upgrade leasing program. While the system exists in the OS to enforce financing agreements, Apple did not specify its intended use case, leaving open the possibility it targets third-party lender partnerships or specific international markets.

Apple Launches Klarna-Backed Leasing Program for Devices
technology3 months ago

Apple Launches Klarna-Backed Leasing Program for Devices

Apple has launched 'Apple Upgrade,' a leasing program in the United States that allows customers to rent iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches through monthly payments. Backed by payment provider Klarna, the service offers terms ranging from 12 to 36 months depending on the device. At the end of the lease, users can return the device, pay a fee to keep it, or upgrade to a newer model. The program replaces the previous iPhone Upgrade Program and excludes budget devices like the iPhone 16 and MacBook Neo. This move aims to mitigate the impact of recent price hikes on Apple hardware, which were driven by global memory shortages.