Apple Launched U.S. Device Leasing Program
The service enables monthly hardware financing for iPhone, Mac, and iPad through Klarna.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Consumer Electronics
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Apple launched its Apple Upgrade leasing program in the United States on July 28, 2026. The service allows customers to finance hardware, including iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, and iPad, through 12, 24, or 36-month agreements facilitated by Klarna.
Why it matters
This program shifts the consumer acquisition model by decoupling hardware ownership from full upfront payment across Apple’s core product lines. By integrating monthly financing, the company lowers the barrier to entry for high-end hardware, including the A20 Pro-powered iPhone 18 Pro models.
Monthly lease commitments vary by device category, with 12 or 24-month terms for iPhone and Apple Watch, and 24 or 36-month terms for Mac and iPad. The program remains unavailable in markets like India.
The players
Apple
A designer of consumer electronics, software, and services that maintains a vertically integrated ecosystem of hardware and recurring revenue streams.
Klarna
A financial technology company specializing in point-of-sale financing and payment installments for e-commerce.
The details
Customers manage their lease agreements and recurring payments exclusively through the Klarna app. The service covers multiple product tiers, ranging from portable devices to professional computing hardware like the Mac. This financial integration follows the announcement of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which utilize the A20 Pro chip, a system-on-a-chip architecture that integrates the processor and memory for increased power efficiency.
Timeline
July 28, 2026: Apple launched the Apple Upgrade program in the United States.
September 9, 2026: Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The Tech Race
This leasing initiative aligns with the release of the A20 Pro chip to ensure the latest silicon reaches the widest user base. It represents a shift toward service-based hardware distribution to compete with other device-as-a-service models in the consumer sector.
Eligible customers can initiate leases for iPhone and Apple Watch with 12 or 24-month terms, while Mac and iPad require 24 or 36-month commitments. Participants using an Apple Card can earn 3% Daily Cash back on these transactions.
The takeaway
This program marks a transition toward recurring revenue models for Apple's premium hardware suite. Users should monitor whether financing terms expand to include additional service bundles or trade-in incentives in future quarters.
Further reading
For more on how hardware cycles influence device ownership, explore the Consumer Electronics archives.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd.
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