Apple's Lease-First Future: The Hardware-as-a-Service Shift
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.