Apple Upgrade program brings leases to Macs, iPads and Watches
Apple launched Apple Upgrade in the US, offering device leases from $11.99 a month through Klarna for iPhones, iPads, Macs and Watches.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
3 min read
Apple launched the Apple Upgrade program in the United States today, giving shoppers a way to lease an iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple Watch instead of paying the full price upfront.
The program, announced by Apple, starts at $11.99 a month for some devices and is run through Klarna. It replaces Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program and expands the company’s leasing-style option beyond smartphones for the first time.
The launch comes after Mashable reported last month that Apple raised prices on many devices, citing an industry-wide memory shortage. The new program does not lower the listed price of Apple hardware, but it spreads the cost across monthly payments.
How does the Apple Upgrade program work?
Apple says customers can lease eligible devices for set terms, then choose what to do when the lease ends. The options are to upgrade to another device, pay a one-time fee to keep the device, or return it to an Apple Store and leave the program.
Apple has not disclosed how much the one-time fee will be. Mashable reported that it would likely equal the device’s full price minus lease payments already made.
Lease terms vary by product. Apple says iPhones and Apple Watches can be leased for 12 or 24 months, while iPads and Macs can be leased for 24 or 36 months.
Monthly prices start at $17.99 for iPhones, $11.99 for iPads, $11.99 for Apple Watches and $24.99 for Macs, according to Apple. The program covers a range of devices, although Apple is not putting every product in its lineup into the plan. Mashable noted that the MacBook Neo, described as Apple’s most affordable laptop, is not included.
What are the sample Apple Upgrade prices?
Apple’s posted examples list several monthly lease prices before taxes:
- iPhone 17 Pro with 256GB storage: $31.99 a month on a 24-month lease, or $45.99 a month on a 12-month lease. Apple lists the device at $1,099.
- iPhone Air with 256GB storage: $28.99 a month on a 24-month lease, or $41.99 a month on a 12-month lease. Apple lists the device at $999.
- 11-inch iPad Pro with 256GB storage and WiFi: $24.99 a month on a 36-month lease, or $31.99 a month on a 24-month lease. Apple lists the device at $1,199.
- 11-inch iPad Air with 128GB storage and WiFi: $15.99 a month on a 36-month lease, or $19.99 a month on a 24-month lease. Apple lists the device at $749.
- 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 chip, 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD: $38.99 a month on a 36-month lease, or $53.99 a month on a 24-month lease. Apple lists the device at $1,999.
- 13-inch MacBook Air with M5 chip, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD: $24.99 a month on a 36-month lease, or $34.99 a month on a 24-month lease. Apple lists the device at $1,299.
- Apple Watch Series 11, 42mm GPS: $11.99 a month on a 24-month lease, or $21.99 a month on a 12-month lease. Apple lists the device at $399.
Because Klarna runs the program, Apple says customers need approval before joining. The company says the application takes minutes and uses a soft credit check that will not affect a credit score.
Approved customers can track lease information and payment details in the Klarna app, according to Apple.
Apple’s old iPhone Upgrade Program has been discontinued. Customers already enrolled in that program can decide whether to switch to Apple Upgrade when their current contract ends, according to Apple.
This story draws on original reporting from Mashable.