Apple launches Apple Upgrade in the U.S. tomorrow, a new leasing program that will offer monthly rental plans for most iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch models. Apple will close new enrollments to the existing iPhone Upgrade Program the same day; current subscribers, the company says, may remain in that program “for the time being.”
A shift from credit to leasing
Apple Upgrade adopts a rental model rather than traditional financing, with the stated goal of delivering lower monthly payments than current financing options. Apple has partnered with buy‑now‑pay‑later provider Klarna to handle payment processing.
Contract lengths and end‑of‑term options
Plans vary by device family: iPhone and Apple Watch contracts run 24 months, while iPad and Mac contracts run 36 months. At the end of a term customers will be able to return the device, upgrade to a newer model, or pay fees to keep the device — among other options Apple will offer.
What’s included — and what isn’t
The program will cover most models across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch lines, but some entry‑level devices will be excluded. Apple specifically lists the Apple Watch SE, the base iPad, the iPhone 16 and the MacBook Neo as not eligible.
Insurance and differences from the iPhone Upgrade Program
Unlike the iPhone Upgrade Program, Apple Upgrade does not appear to include AppleCare+ in the monthly price. That marks a notable change for customers accustomed to an all‑in‑one monthly charge that bundled device protection.
What this means for iPhone Upgrade users
Apple will stop new enrollments in the iPhone Upgrade Program on the day Apple Upgrade launches. Existing subscribers can remain in their current program “for the time being,” according to Apple; for new purchases, Apple Upgrade will replace the iPhone Upgrade Program.
Apple is positioning Apple Upgrade as a way to reduce monthly payments by switching from credit to leasing. Apple has not yet disclosed all operational details — exact trade‑in conditions, fees to retain a device, or the timeline for international rollout remain unspecified.
