Apple Launches Leasing Program for Iphones With Pay-later Option

WHO:

NY Post - Apple is the organization introducing the new leasing program.

CBS News Tech - Kelly O'Grady is the reporter explaining the new program.

WHAT:

The Verge - The Apple Upgrade program allows leasing of select models of iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Watches with monthly payments that do not exceed the full price of the device over the lease term.

The Verge - At the end of the lease, customers can choose to purchase the device by paying the difference between what they’ve paid and its remaining cost, with an example given of leasing an iPhone Air for $695.76 and needing to pay an additional $303.24 to purchase it at its original price of $999.

The Verge - Klarna, the service facilitating the loans, states that if a person misses three payments in a row, the lease agreement will be terminated, and the customer must pay the full outstanding balance.

The Verge - AppleCare costs $9.99 per month for iPhones, with iPad protection starting at $5.49 per month, Mac coverage starting at $3.99 per month, and Watch Series 11 protection priced at $4.99 per month.

The Verge - Customers have six months to decide whether to upgrade, return their current device, or buy it outright after the loan, during which they will still be charged their monthly payment.

TechRadar - The "Apple Upgrade" program is described as a multi-product-category leasing program that includes not just iPhones but also watches and laptops.

NY Post - Apple has introduced a new payment structure that allows customers to lease iPhones and other devices.

CBS News Tech - The program is called "Apple Upgrade" and allows consumers to lease devices including watches and laptops.

WHERE:

CBS News Tech - The leasing program applies to devices sold by Apple, which are available globally.

WHEN:

CBS News Tech - The announcement of the "Apple Upgrade" program was made on a Tuesday.

WHY:

NY Post - The new payment structure has caused a stir online, with customers expressing concerns that it may represent a "slippery slope" for pricing.

HOW:

CBS News Tech - The leasing program allows consumers to acquire new devices without an upfront purchase, enabling a pay-later option.

(UPDATED July 29, 2026 22:25 UTC)

Apple has launched an Upgrade program that allows customers to lease select models of iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Watches with monthly payments that match the full price of the device over the lease term. At the end of the lease, customers can choose to purchase the device by paying the difference between what they've already paid and its remaining cost, with an example showing that leasing an iPhone Air for $695.76 would require an additional $303.24 to buy it outright. Customers also have six months to decide whether to upgrade, return their device, or buy it outright, but they will continue to incur monthly payments during that period.

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(UPDATED July 29, 2026 20:23 UTC)

Apple has launched a new leasing program called the "Apple Upgrade," which covers multiple product categories, including iPhones, watches, and laptops. This initiative aims to provide customers with more flexible options for accessing the latest technology. With this program, users can upgrade their devices more frequently and enjoy the latest innovations from Apple.

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(UPDATED July 29, 2026 15:39 UTC)

Apple has introduced a new leasing program called "Apple Upgrade," which allows customers to lease iPhones, watches, laptops, and other devices without an upfront purchase. This program, applicable to devices sold globally, has sparked online discussions, with some consumers voicing concerns about potential pricing implications. The announcement was made on a Tuesday, and the pay-later option is designed to make acquiring new technology more accessible for users.