Apple officially launches its 'Apple Upgrade' device leasing program, allowing users to purchase iPhones, Macs, and other devices on a monthly subscription basis.

On July 28, 2026, Apple launched 'Apple Upgrade' in the United States, a device leasing program that allows users to use iPhones, Macs, and other devices for a monthly fee. Apple Upgrade's leasing is provided by payment service provider Klarna, and the service, which had been reported to be in the preparation stage on July 22, 2026, has now officially launched.

Apple Upgrade - Lease iPhone, Mac, iPad, Watch - Apple
https://www.apple.com/shop/apple-upgrade

Apple launches 'Upgrade' program to lease new devices | The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/tech/971220/apple-upgrade-program-iphone-mac-ipad-lease-launch

Apple Upgrade is a service leased by Klarna, a payment service provider, and the service that was reported on July 22, 2026, has now officially launched.

Apple is preparing a device leasing program called 'Apple Upgrade' in collaboration with Klarna - GIGAZINE

With the newly launched Apple Upgrade program, users select eligible Apple products and lease terms, then specify 'Apple Upgrade' as their payment method during the purchase process. Following this, Klarna conducts a soft credit check that will not affect their credit score. Users must be 18 years of age or older, reside in the United States, and have a valid US-issued credit or debit card.

The eligible products are all iPhone models except the iPhone 16, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac Studio, iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini, Apple Watch Ultra, and Apple Watch Series 11. Furthermore, the standard iPad, Apple Watch SE, and MacBook Neo, which were previously reported to be excluded, are not included in the officially announced list of eligible products.

Lease periods can be selected from 12 or 24 months for iPhones and Apple Watches, and 24 or 36 months for iPads and Macs. While preliminary reports indicated 24 months for iPhones and Apple Watches and 36 months for iPads and Macs, the officially launched service also offers shorter lease periods.

With a 24-month contract, the monthly fee starts at $17.99 (approximately ¥2,900) for the iPhone 17e, $22.99 (approximately ¥3,800) for the iPhone 17, and $31.99 (approximately ¥5,200) for the iPhone 17 Pro. With a 36-month contract, the iPad mini starts at $11.99 (approximately ¥2,000), the iPad Air starts at $15.99 (approximately ¥2,600), and the MacBook Air starts at $24.99 (approximately ¥4,100).

After completing the specified number of payments, users can upgrade to a new product at no additional cost and return their current device to Apple. At the end of the lease period, there are three options: 'Upgrade to a new product and return the device,' 'Return the device without upgrading and end the program,' or 'Pay a purchase price and own the device.' Even after paying off the lease fees, the device does not automatically become the user's property; they must go through the purchase process via Klarna to continue using it.

Furthermore, AppleCare, the official support service, is not included in the monthly lease fee and must be purchased separately if needed. In addition, the device must be in working order and in good condition upon return. Additional charges may apply if the device is damaged, so Apple recommends subscribing to AppleCare.

When you first sign up for an Apple Upgrade, you can trade in your existing eligible device and have its trade-in value deducted from your initial lease payment. However, this trade-in offer is only available at the time of your initial contract and cannot be used when upgrading to a new device.

With the launch of Apple Upgrade, the 'iPhone Upgrade Program,' which had been offered since 2015, has ceased accepting new applications. While the iPhone Upgrade Program was an installment payment service that combined an iPhone with AppleCare+, Apple Upgrade expands its scope to include iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, and is designed as a lease service that requires the return of the device.

Furthermore, code believed to be related to 'Restricted Mode,' which limits the apps available on devices with outstanding payments, was discovered in the beta version of iOS 27.

Reports indicate that 'code restricting the use of iPhones with outstanding payments' has been discovered in the iOS 27 beta - GIGAZINE

However, Apple explains that it will not restrict the functionality of the device even if there are delays or defaults in payments for Apple Upgrade. On the other hand, Klarna states that if payments are not made three times in a row, it will terminate the lease agreement and require a lump-sum payment of the remaining balance.