Apple Upgrade leasing program explained: Monthly cost, what happened to the iPhone Upgrade Program, and everything else you need to know

Apple has introduced Apple Upgrade, a new device leasing program in the United States that allows customers to lease iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches through monthly payments. The program, launched in partnership with payments company Klarna, replaces Apple's existing iPhone Upgrade Program and iPhone Payments offerings in the country.

The new leasing option gives customers more flexibility by allowing them to return, purchase, or upgrade their devices once their lease ends.

What is Apple Upgrade?

Apple Upgrade is a leasing service available through Apple's website, the Apple Store app, and Apple retail stores across the United States.


Customers can lease:

• iPhones: 12- or 24-month plans
• Apple Watches: 12- or 24-month plans
• iPads: 24- or 36-month plans
• Macs: 24- or 36-month plans

Applicants will undergo a soft credit check conducted by Klarna, which Apple says will not affect their credit score.

Customers can also lower their monthly payments by trading in an eligible Apple device and receive 3% Daily Cash when paying with an Apple Card.

Apple Upgrade monthly prices

Apple says monthly payments start as low as $11.99, though pricing varies depending on the device and lease duration.

Some of the starting prices include:

• iPhone 17e: From $17.99/month (24-month lease)
• iPhone 17: From $22.99/month (24-month lease)
• iPhone Air: From $28.99/month (24-month lease)
• iPhone 17 Pro: From $31.99/month (24-month lease)

Apple notes that premium models carry higher monthly payments. For example, an unlocked iPhone 17 Pro costs $31.99 per month on a 24-month lease or $45.99 per month on a 12-month lease.

Some entry-level products, including the iPhone 16 and MacBook Neo, are not part of the leasing program.

What happens when the lease ends?

At the end of the lease period, customers have three options:

• Return the device to Apple.
• Purchase the leased device with a one-time payment.
• Upgrade to a newer Apple device.

This gives users flexibility compared with buying a device outright.

Apple discontinues the iPhone Upgrade Program

With the launch of Apple Upgrade, Apple has officially ended the iPhone Upgrade Program and iPhone Payments in the United States.

In a statement, the company said: "With the launch of Apple Upgrade, Apple will no longer offer the iPhone Upgrade Program and iPhone Payments in the United States. When eligible, customers currently enrolled in the iPhone Upgrade Program will have the option of leasing a new device with Apple Upgrade, financing with Apple Card Monthly Installments, purchasing the product outright, or choosing carrier financing."

What it means for existing iPhone Upgrade Program users

Customers already enrolled in the iPhone Upgrade Program can continue with their current device until they become eligible for an upgrade.

Once that upgrade window arrives, they will no longer be able to receive a new iPhone through the discontinued program. Instead, Apple says they can choose from several alternatives:

• Switch to the new Apple Upgrade leasing program.
• Finance a device using Apple Card Monthly Installments.
• Purchase a new device outright.
• Use carrier financing.

Apple says it will guide eligible customers through the transition to one of these new purchasing options.