Apple Upgrade: The company has started leasing iPhones, Macs and iPads

Apple announced the launch of the Apple Upgrade program – an innovative device rental service implemented in partnership with the Swedish fintech company Klarna. The program gives US users the opportunity to legally use the latest technology without buying it at the same time.

Positioning

Apple Upgrade is a leasing or long-term rental model that allows customers to upgrade their gadgets after the contract expires. The program is available both in physical Apple Stores and online retail. The main tool for managing payments is the Klarna app, which displays the payment schedule, outstanding balances and rental terms.

Rental conditions and terms of validity

Different usage periods are provided for different types of Apple devices:

• iPhone and Apple Watch: 12 or 24 month lease available.
• Mac and iPad: 24 or 36 month lease available.

At the end of the set period, the client gets a choice: upgrade the device to the current model, buy the gadget with a one-time payment, or simply end participation in the program.

Tariff grid of the rental program

Available devices

New flagship models are available for lease:

• Smartphones: iPhone 17 line, including iPhone 17e and iPhone Air models.
• Laptops and desktops: 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with the M5 chip, the MacBook Pro line (M5, M5 Pro, M5 Max), as well as Mac Studio (M4 Max or M3 Ultra) and modern iMacs.
• Tablets: iPad Air, iPad mini and iPad Pro models with the M5 processor.
• We wear: Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3.

All program members have the option to add an AppleCare subscription. This extends warranty obligations and simplifies the process of returning or replacing equipment in case of damage. In addition, at the initial registration of Apple Upgrade, customers can additionally reduce the monthly payment by using the Trade In system, handing in their old gadget.

This initiative was presented against the background of a general increase in the prices of Mac and iPad devices, which Apple attributed to the increase in the price of memory. For those who want to always have up-to-date “iron” at hand and are ready for regular monthly payments, the program will be a great way to optimize costs. However, it is worth taking into account the risks associated with financial discipline – the network has already discussed possible sanctions, including the blocking of devices during the delay of mandatory payments.