Apple Inc. launched a leasing program in the U.S. on July 28, 2026, allowing customers to pay monthly for various hardware devices [1, 3].
The Apple Upgrade program, created in partnership with Klarna, shifts the ownership model from a direct purchase to a subscription-style lease. This allows consumers to access high-end hardware with lower upfront costs and more frequent device refreshes [1, 4].
Under the new terms, customers can lease iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches [2]. The monthly cost varies by device type. iPhone leases start at $17.99 per month [3], while other devices, such as the MacBook Air, start at $24.99 per month [2].
Each lease carries a term length of 36 months [2]. This structure is designed to lower the barrier to entry for the company's ecosystem, providing a predictable monthly expense rather than a large single payment.
Apple has not detailed the specific requirements for returning devices at the end of the term or the exact process for upgrading to newer models mid-lease. However, the partnership with Klarna indicates a move toward integrated financial services to drive hardware sales [1, 3].
“Apple launched a leasing program in the U.S. on July 28, 2026”
By transitioning from a sales-centric model to a leasing model, Apple is adopting a 'Hardware-as-a-Service' strategy. This approach secures a recurring revenue stream and ensures a steady flow of used hardware back into Apple's refurbishment pipeline, while simultaneously making its most expensive products more accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
