All articles tagged with #apple upgrade
Apple is gearing up for a September launch of the premium iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra, while the cheaper base iPhone 18 remains for spring. To soften the impact of high prices, Apple is expanding its Klarna-backed Apple Upgrade financing, boosting trade-in values to lower monthly costs, and widening Android trade-ins to attract switchers. The standard iPhone 18 and 18e are expected next spring.
Apple's new device-leasing program, Apple Upgrade, requires customers to have an active account with AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile to lease iPhones, effectively locking buyers to the three big carriers; explanations range from fraud prevention to alleged carrier-deal incentives for promoting the program.
Apple has rolled out Apple Upgrade, a multi-device lease program in the U.S. offering 12- and 24-month terms for iPhone and Apple Watch and 24- and 36-month terms for Mac and iPad, with monthly payments starting around $11.99–$24.99 and options to trade in devices plus 3% daily cash back with Apple Card. Analyst Mark Gurman sees it as a strategy to frame a $1-per-day cost as affordable, potentially boosting upgrades and locking customers into Apple's ecosystem, though success remains uncertain.
Apple launches the Apple Upgrade leasing program with Klarna, replacing the old plan; releases iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6 ahead of iOS 27, with security fixes and iCloud/tone tweaks; rumors point to a new Home Hub and updated TV/HomePod mini, while a MacRumors interview discusses AI-bubble risks with Ed Zitron; iOS 27 preview notes include further Siri/iCloud improvements and FaceTime features, alongside plans for privacy-focused smart glasses in 2027.
Apple’s new Apple Upgrade is a lease-based program with lower monthly payments that does not include AppleCare by default, and offers a buyout option to own the device at lease end. By contrast, the iPhone Upgrade Program used financing, guaranteed ownership at the end, and included AppleCare. Apple Upgrade isn’t limited to iPhones and can be used for Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches, with generally longer terms for Macs/iPads and shorter terms for iPhone/Watch. In short: leasing vs financing, ownership mechanics, optional vs included AppleCare, and a broader range of eligible devices.
Apple unveils Apple Upgrade, a true hardware-as-a-service leasing program for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches with monthly payments and trade-in credits, offering unlocked devices and flexible upgrades while insurance remains optional and early termination fees apply. The model prioritizes liquidity and predictable costs over outright ownership, hinting at a broader shift Android OEMs like Google and Samsung should consider to combat high resale depreciation and avoid ecosystem lock-in.
Apple's Upgrade program offers 12–36 month zero-down, zero-interest leases on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, with the option to buy at the end for the original list price minus the lease payments you've made. This means you can own the device without ever paying more than its list price if you choose to buy, though continuously upgrading via leasing could cost more than buying upfront.
Apple says iOS 27’s Restricted Mode will not activate for missed payments on the new Apple Upgrade leasing program. The feature is part of a broader financing-control system—encompassing App Managed Features, Find My integration, and a Partner Financing context—that could restrict apps on financed devices in other contexts, but Apple hasn’t disclosed its intended use beyond that, leaving the mechanism’s future purpose unclear.
Apple expands its Upgrade program into a multi-device lease backed by Klarna, letting customers pay monthly to use iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch for 12–36 months with options to own at the end, return, or upgrade. Prices vary by model (examples include iPhone entries from around $17.99/mo and Macs from about $25/mo), and AppleCare+ isn’t included by default. Missed payments can roll over, and three consecutive missed payments may terminate the lease or lead to collections, though hardship options exist.
Apple has replaced the iPhone Upgrade Program with a Klarna-backed Apple Upgrade leasing option in the U.S., enabling leases on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch with 24- or 36-month terms; devices are unlocked but you must pick a carrier or postpaid plan, and you don’t own the device until the final payoff. If you miss payments, it rolls into the next month, and three consecutive misses terminates the lease with the remaining balance due; there are no late fees but it can affect your credit. AppleCare+ isn’t included; damage is charged by Klarna; some devices, education pricing, and refurbishments aren’t eligible. You can end or buy out the lease, or trade in (value split across payments). Klarna payments require debit/ACH, not credit cards. Current iPhone Upgrade Program members can stay for now.
Apple has introduced Apple Upgrade, a Klarna-backed leasing program for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch that replaces the iPhone Upgrade Program and iPhone Payments. Leases run 12–24 months for iPhone/Watch and 24–36 months for Mac/iPad, with starter monthly prices from $17.99 (iPhone) and $11.99 (Watch). End-of-lease options include returning, paying off, or upgrading; trade-ins/credits affect monthly costs, and Klarna handles the financing. Apple Card users can opt for Apple Card Monthly Installments or Apple Upgrade with 3% Daily Cash on lease payments. Current iPhone Upgrade Program sign-ups end, but existing participants may continue payments until paid off. Availability starts today in-store and online, with model and eligibility restrictions.
Apple’s Upgrade program lets customers lease high-priced devices (potentially 2,000+ iPhones) with low upfront costs and the option to upgrade, while AppleCare is separated. Backed by Klarna to limit Apple’s credit risk, the plan could help Apple push premium gear in a weak economy, but it also tempts buyers into debt with monthly payments and usage restrictions if payments are missed, and it isn’t available through third-party resellers. For fiscally cautious buyers, it offers flexibility; for others, it could inflate long-term costs.
Apple and Klarna will launch the new 'Apple Upgrade' financing program in the U.S. on July 28, 2026, financing most iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models with 24‑month terms for iPhones/Watches and 36‑month terms for iPads/Macs; customers can pay off early, upgrade early, or keep/return after the term, with a soft credit check and potential fees. Some lower‑priced devices (e.g., iPhone 16, entry‑level iPad, Apple Watch SE, MacBook Neo) aren’t eligible, and AppleCare+ isn’t included; the program replaces the old iPhone Upgrade Program and other financing options.