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Apple Upgrade Launches in the US – Game‑Changing Features Revealed
Apple Launches "Apple Upgrade": A New Way to Lease Your Favorite Devices
What Is Apple Upgrade?
Imagine walking into an Apple Store, picking out the latest iPhone or MacBook, and walking out without paying the full price upfront. Instead, you pay a small amount every month—like a subscription for your device. That’s exactly what Apple Upgrade does.
Announced on July 28, 2026, Apple Upgrade is a leasing program (not a loan or purchase) run by Klarna, a company that specializes in flexible payments. It’s available online, in the Apple Store app, and at physical Apple Stores across the United States.
Key Idea: You don’t own the device at the end—unless you choose to buy it. Think of it like leasing a car: you use it, then return it or swap for a newer model.
How Does It Work? (Step by Step)
- Pick Your Device – Choose any eligible iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, or iPad.
- Select a Lease Term –
- iPhone & Apple Watch: 12 or 24 months
- Mac & iPad: 24 or 36 months
- Apply in Minutes – Online or in-store. Klarna does a soft credit check (won’t hurt your credit score).
- Get Approved & Pay – First payment due ~30 days after you get the device.
- Enjoy Your Device – Use it like normal. Add AppleCare for extra protection.
- At the End of the Lease – You have three choices:
- Upgrade to the latest model (start a new lease)
- Buy it with a one-time payment
- Return it and walk away
Monthly Prices Start As Low As:
| Device | Starting Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| iPhone | $17.99 |
| Apple Watch | $11.99 |
| Mac | $24.99 |
| iPad | $11.99 |
Pro Tip: Trade in your old device via Apple Trade In to lower your monthly payment even more!
Cool Perks You Get
- 3% Daily Cash back when you pay with Apple Card
- Free Personal Setup – Apple helps you set up your new device
- Free Today at Apple sessions – Learn how to use your device like a pro
- Manage everything in the Klarna app – See payments, due dates, and lease info
Which Devices Are Included?
iPhone (Leases from $17.99/mo)
- iPhone 17e – Great value, 256GB storage, MagSafe
- iPhone 17 – Bigger display, 120Hz ProMotion, 48MP camera
- iPhone Air – Ultra-thin, light, durable, all-day battery
- iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max – Most powerful ever, A19 Pro chip, best cameras
Apple Watch (Leases from $11.99/mo)
- Series 11 – Hypertension alerts, sleep score, 2x scratch-resistant screen
- Ultra 3 – Biggest display, 72hr battery (Low Power), satellite messaging
Mac (Leases from $24.99/mo)
- MacBook Air (M5) – 13"/15", 18hr battery, AI-ready
- MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max) – Best pro laptop, 24hr battery, nano-texture screen
- iMac (M4) – All-in-one, thin, nano-texture option
- Mac Studio (M4 Max / M3 Ultra) – Most powerful Mac ever, Thunderbolt 5
iPad (Leases from $11.99/mo)
- iPad Air (M4) – 12GB RAM, fast, portable
- iPad Pro (M5) – Ultra Retina XDR, thinnest ever
- iPad mini (A17 Pro) – Full iPad in your hand
- Accessories: Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil Pro
Not Included: iPhone 16/16 Plus, Apple Watch SE, MacBook Neo, Mac mini, iPad (A16), Studio Display
Important Details You Should Know
CALLOUT: Read Before You Lease
- This is a consumer lease, not a purchase or loan.
- Provided by Klarna Inc. – subject to credit approval.
- No security deposit required.
- First payment due ~30 days after shipment/pickup.
- iPhone only: Must choose AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon (no prepaid). But the iPhone is unlocked—you can switch carriers anytime.
- Early termination = big fees. Lease converts to month-to-month (up to 6 months) if you do nothing at the end.
- You don’t own the device unless you pay the purchase fee at the end.
- Damage/loss fees apply – insurance not included.
- U.S. residents only (no territories), 18+, valid SSN/ITIN, Apple Account in good standing, Klarna account, and able to receive texts.
What Happens to the Old iPhone Upgrade Program?
Apple is replacing the iPhone Upgrade Program and iPhone Payments in the U.S. with Apple Upgrade.
If you’re currently in the iPhone Upgrade Program, you can:
- Switch to Apple Upgrade for a new device
- Use Apple Card Monthly Installments (0% APR)
- Buy outright
- Use carrier financing
Real-World Examples (From Apple)
| Device | Price | 24-Mo Lease | 12-Mo Lease | 36-Mo Lease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro 256GB | $1,099 | $31.99/mo | $45.99/mo | — |
| Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS) 42mm | $399 | $11.99/mo | $21.99/mo | — |
| 11" iPad Pro 256GB | $1,199 | $31.99/mo | — | $24.99/mo |
| 14" MacBook Pro 16GB | $1,999 | $53.99/mo | — | $38.99/mo |
Prices exclude taxes and trade-in credits. Trade-ins can lower your monthly payment.
Summary
Apple Upgrade is a new, flexible way to get the latest Apple gear without paying full price upfront. You lease the device for 12–36 months through Klarna, with low monthly payments starting at $11.99. At the end, you can upgrade, buy, or return it. It replaces the old iPhone Upgrade Program and works online, in-app, and in-store. Plus, you get 3% cash back with Apple Card, free setup help, and easy management via the Klarna app.
Just remember: it’s a lease, not ownership—so read the terms, especially about early returns and device condition.
FAQ
Is Apple Upgrade a loan or a lease?
It’s a lease. You don’t own the device unless you pay the purchase fee at the end. Think of it like renting an apartment—you use it, then decide to stay (buy), move (upgrade), or leave (return).
Will applying hurt my credit score?
No. Klarna does a soft credit inquiry, which doesn’t affect your credit score.
Can I use Apple Upgrade with a prepaid phone plan?
No. For iPhone, you must choose AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon (postpaid only). But the iPhone comes unlocked, so you can switch carriers later.
What happens if I break or lose the device?
You may owe damage or loss fees. Insurance isn’t included. Adding AppleCare+ or AppleCare One helps cover accidents, theft, and battery issues.
Can I trade in my old device to lower the payment?
Yes! Use Apple Trade In when you enroll to reduce your monthly lease cost.
Ready to upgrade? Visit apple.com/shop/apple-upgrade or stop by your nearest Apple Store to learn more.
