Apple rolls out Apple Upgrade leasing service, ending iPhone Upgrade Program
Apple launched the Apple Upgrade leasing program in the United States on July 28, 2026, allowing customers to lease iPhones, Macs, iPads and Apple Watches for 12-36 months with monthly payments starting at $17. 99 and the option to purchase, return or upgrade the device at lease end. The service, offered through buy-now-pay-later provider Klarna, includes optional AppleCare and does not restrict app access for users who stay current on payments.
The launch followed Apple’s late-June announcement that it would cease new enrollments in its iPhone Upgrade Program and standard financing, planning to replace them with a leasing option. Early reports noted that the new service could limit app access for customers who fell behind on payments and that the rollout coincided with other price adjustments, such as an increase to the Apple Music subscription. Existing participants were allowed to remain enrolled temporarily.