Apple Upgrade: New Leasing Program for iPhone, Mac, iPad & Watch
Apple just made it easier than ever to get the latest hardware without paying the full price upfront. On July 28, 2026, the company officially launched Apple Upgrade, a new leasing program powered by Klarna and available exclusively in the United States.The program covers iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, and iPad. Customers can choose flexible terms — 12 or 24 months for iPhone and Watch, 24 or 36 months for Mac and iPad — with monthly payments that start as low as $17.99 for an iPhone and $11.99 for an Apple Watch or iPad.
How Apple Upgrade WorksYou pick the device you want in the Apple Store app, on apple.com, or in a retail store. After a quick soft credit check through Klarna (it does not affect your credit score), you get approved and the first payment is due about 30 days after you receive the device.
Trade-in values lower the monthly cost, and Apple Card users earn 3% Daily Cash back on every lease payment. At the end of the term you can:
Return the device and upgrade to the newest model
Buy it outright with a one-time payment
Continue month-to-month for a limited time
Early upgrades are possible for a fee. Devices must be returned in good working condition, and AppleCare+ remains optional but highly recommended.
Pricing Examples (excluding tax and trade-in)
iPhone 17 Pro 256GB: $31.99/month (24 months) or $45.99/month (12 months)
14-inch MacBook Pro: from $38.99/month on a 36-month lease
Apple Watch Series 11: starts at $11.99/month
Example of iPhone prices:
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These numbers make frequent upgrades far more accessible than the old iPhone Upgrade Program, which was limited and often tied to carriers.Who It’s ForApple Upgrade targets people who like staying current with new hardware every one or two years without the big upfront cost. It is currently limited to U.S. residents 18 and older with a valid SSN or ITIN. Carrier-locked options are available for iPhones (AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon), but the devices themselves remain unlocked.
Apple’s store VP Karen Rasmussen summed it up simply: the company wants customers to have a more flexible way to pay for the products they love.Whether you are eyeing the new iPhone 17 lineup or a fresh MacBook, Apple Upgrade removes a lot of the financial friction.
Just check the official Apple Upgrade page for the latest eligibility and exact monthly costs based on your trade-in.
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