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5 clusters · 95 sources · 14 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: TECHNOLOGY · BUSINESS

Apple Upgrade leasing program rollout

Entities: Apple Inc. · Anurag Chawake · Apple Upgrade leasing program · Klarna · iOS 27

Overview

Apple confirmed that its Apple Upgrade leasing service went live on 28 July 2026 in the United States, partnered with fintech firm Klarna. The program replaces Apple’s earlier iPhone Upgrade Program and lets customers lease premium iPhone and Apple Watch models for up to 24 months and iPad and Mac models for up to 36 months, paying a fixed monthly fee after a soft credit check. Klarna assumes the credit risk and handles the monthly payments, while Apple markets the service through its online store and U.S. retail locations. Lease terms include early‑payoff, early‑upgrade, and end‑of‑lease return options; AppleCare+ is not bundled, and entry‑level devices and bulk business or education orders are excluded.

A code snippet discovered in the iOS 27 beta shows that missed‑payment devices will automatically switch to a “Restricted Mode,” limiting functionality to calls, basic settings, the App Store, and Wallet. The same code adds a “Partner Finance Lock” that ties the device to Apple’s Find My network, preventing reset, resale or dismantling until the debt is resolved. Bloomberg reports that this enforcement layer is termed “App Managed Features.”

The rollout coincided with Apple briefly surpassing a $5 trillion market capitalisation. Pricing starts at $17.99 per month for an iPhone, $11.99 for an Apple Watch or iPad, and $24.99 for a Mac. Customers apply via Apple’s website, Store app, or physical stores and undergo a soft credit check; missed payments may be referred to collections by Klarna. Trade‑ins can lower monthly fees, AppleCare can be added to the lease, and Apple Card holders earn a 3 % Daily Cash back on instalment charges. The service is positioned to keep upfront costs manageable, generate recurring revenue, and encourage faster upgrade cycles amid rising device prices and supply‑chain pressures such as the global memory‑chip shortage.

Timeline

  1. about 23 hours ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 6 sources
    Apple Upgrade leasing program: missed payments won’t lock devices

    Apple says missed payments on its Apple Upgrade leasing plan will not trigger device restrictions; only financial penalties apply.

  2. 6 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Apple launches leasing that blocks iPhone apps on missed payments

    Apple's upcoming 'Apple Upgrade' leasing plan will let users rent devices, but missed payments trigger a Restricted Mode that disables most iPhone apps.

  3. 6 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 16 sources
    Apple to Launch Leasing ‘Apple Upgrade’ Program with Klarna in US

    Apple will launch the “Apple Upgrade” leasing service with Klarna in the US on 28 July 2026, offering 24‑ or 36‑month contracts for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch, with options to keep, return or upgrade the

  4. 8 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 72 sources
    Apple Launches Upgrade Leasing Program with Klarna on July 28

    Apple will launch the Apple Upgrade leasing program on July 28 US, partnering with Klarna for 24‑month iPhone/Watch and 36‑month Mac/iPad terms, excluding entry‑level models and AppleCare, and may restrict apps

  5. 15 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Apple expands iPad financing to 36‑month plans with AT&T and Verizon

    Apple now offers 36‑month carrier financing for cellular iPads via AT&T and Verizon, lowering monthly costs after recent price hikes; eligibility requires a new line and total cost stays the same.

Sources

4gnews.pt · 9to5mac.com · androidnews.de · apfelpage.de · appgefahren.de · applesfera.com · archyworldys.com · arenait.net · au.pcmag.com · blocktempo.com · blog.tamindir.com · borncity.com · bug.hr · canaltech.com.br · cityam.com · civilmedia.mk · clubic.com · compartir-tecnologias.es · crunchgear.com · cultofmac.com · cyproperty.com · dailyguardian.ae · demoty.pl · dexerto.com · diariobitcoin.com · digitaltrends.com · downloads.tomsguide.com · elektronika.lt · elnacional.cat · es.digitaltrends.com · es.gizmodo.com · expansion.com · flashtv.com.tr · flo.com · fourweekmba.com · gazeta-lokalna.pl · giga.de · gigazine.net · greencarmagazine.de · guides.macrumors.com · hwfiles.it · ifanr.com · igen.fr · iltalehti.fi · indusbusinessjournal.com · ipadizate.es · iphone-mania.jp · iphoneaddict.fr

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history