Apple Upgrade: A New Leasing Program for iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, and iPad

Apple has introduced Apple Upgrade, a new hardware leasing program that replaces the long-running iPhone Upgrade Program and previous iPhone payment options in the United States. Developed in partnership with Klarna, Apple Upgrade allows customers to acquire iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, and iPad devices through monthly lease payments rather than a single upfront purchase. The program is designed to provide more flexibility for customers who prefer predictable monthly expenses or who like to refresh their hardware on a regular schedule.

Under Apple Upgrade, customers can choose from multiple lease term lengths depending on the device type. For iPhone and Apple Watch, lease options are available in 12- or 24-month terms. For Mac and iPad, customers can select 24- or 36-month terms. These tiered term options aim to match typical upgrade cycles for different device categories, giving buyers the ability to select the timeframe that best suits their budget and usage patterns.

Monthly pricing for Apple Upgrade starts at competitive entry points: Apple Watch and iPad models begin at $11.99 per month, iPhone plans start at $17.99 per month, and Mac plans start at $24.99 per month. These are baseline examples intended to illustrate accessible starting prices; actual monthly payments will vary depending on the chosen model, configuration, and any promotional or trade-in credits applied at sign-up.

Customers who trade in an eligible device at the time they enroll can reduce their monthly payments further. Trade-in credits are applied to the lease terms and lower overall monthly costs, making the program especially useful for users who already own relatively recent Apple hardware. In addition, customers who use Apple Card to pay their monthly installments receive 3 percent Daily Cash back on those payments, providing an additional way to offset the cost of leasing through cash-back rewards tied to Apple’s payment ecosystem.

At Apple, we put the customer at the center of everything we do, and we’re thrilled that Apple Upgrade offers our customers, both online and in-store, a more flexible way to pay for the products they love.

When a lease term concludes, Apple Upgrade offers multiple options to suit different preferences. Customers may trade in the leased device and upgrade to a newer model, return the device to exit the program, or purchase the device outright with a final lump-sum payment. These end-of-lease options are intended to simplify transitions between devices while preserving choice: users who want the latest hardware can trade in and upgrade, those who prefer not to continue can return the device, and those who want to keep the device permanently can pay the remaining balance to own it.

Lease management and payment details are handled through the Klarna app, where customers can review payment schedules, make payments, and manage plan options. Integrating account management into Klarna streamlines the administrative side of device leasing and keeps payment information and schedules consolidated in a single app. Apple Upgrade also allows customers to bundle AppleCare protection into their leasing plan, which can simplify device upkeep and make future returns or repairs smoother by including support coverage with the monthly payments.

Existing members of the former iPhone Upgrade Program in the United States are not left without options. Current members will be given choices when their eligibility for a new device arises: they may switch to Apple Upgrade, change to Apple Card Monthly Installments, use carrier financing, or purchase their next device outright. This flexibility ensures that longstanding participants can select the payment approach that best fits their financial preferences and upgrade cadence.

Apple Upgrade is positioned as a more flexible, modern approach to purchasing Apple hardware, aimed at customers who value manageable monthly costs, predictable upgrade paths, and integrated financing and protection options. As consumers weigh the benefits of ownership versus leasing, Apple Upgrade provides a structured alternative that can simplify device upgrades and budgeting without forcing a large initial outlay.