Apple has introduced Apple Upgrade, a new device leasing program in the United States that replaces the long-running iPhone Upgrade Program. Unlike the previous plan, which focused only on the iPhone, Apple Upgrade expands the concept to include eligible iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models.
The new program marks a major shift in how customers can access Apple hardware. Instead of traditional installment financing, Apple Upgrade works as a leasing service. Customers can choose a device, select an available lease term, complete a soft credit check, and make monthly payments through Klarna.
Apple Upgrade monthly pricing starts at $17.99 for iPhone, $11.99 for Apple Watch, $11.99 for iPad, and $24.99 for Mac. Customers may also be able to reduce their monthly payment by trading in an eligible device before starting a new lease.
Lease terms depend on the product category. iPhone and Apple Watch models are available with 12-month or 24-month lease options. Mac and iPad models offer longer terms, with 24-month or 36-month choices.
At the end of the lease, customers have three options. They can upgrade to a newer Apple device, return the leased product, or buy it outright with a one-time payment. Eligible users can also pay off the lease early if they prefer to end the agreement before the term is complete.
One important change is that AppleCare+ is no longer included in the monthly payment. Under the older iPhone Upgrade Program, AppleCare+ was bundled into the plan. With Apple Upgrade, customers who want extra protection for accidental damage or extended coverage must add AppleCare+ separately when setting up their lease.
Apple has now stopped accepting new enrollments for the original iPhone Upgrade Program, which launched in 2015 with the iPhone 6s. Current members can continue under their existing Citizens Bank agreement until they become eligible for another device.
Once their current agreement ends, existing iPhone Upgrade Program customers can switch to Apple Upgrade or choose another payment method. Other options include Apple Card Monthly Installments, carrier financing, or paying for a device in full. Any AppleCare coverage included with their existing agreement will continue until the original 24-month term expires.
For now, Apple Upgrade is available only in the United States. Apple has not announced whether the leasing program will expand to other countries.
With Apple Upgrade, the company is giving customers a more flexible way to use the latest Apple devices without committing to full ownership from day one. By covering iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, the new program could appeal to users who regularly upgrade their technology and want lower monthly payments across more product categories.
