Apple just made upgrading iPhones, Macs, and iPads much easier!

Apple has replaced its long-running iPhone Upgrade Program with Apple Upgrade, a broader leasing service that now covers iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. The move also reflects Apple's growing focus on flexible ownership options, making it easier for customers to stay within its ecosystem while upgrading to newer hardware more frequently.

Apple Upgrade Program Overview

From iPhones to Apple's broader ecosystem

Apple has long offered the iPhone Upgrade Program, which allowed customers to pay for an iPhone in monthly installments and upgrade to a newer model after meeting certain requirements. However, the service was limited to iPhones and came with AppleCare+ bundled into the monthly price.

Instead of limiting the service to iPhones, the new program now covers iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches as well. AppleCare+ is no longer bundled into the lease by default, although customers can still add it as an optional extra.

Existing customers don't need to switch immediately. They'll be able to move to Apple Upgrade, Apple Card Monthly Installments, or eligible carrier financing once their current agreement comes to an end. With Apple Upgrade, Apple is essentially replacing the iPhone Upgrade Program with a broader service that covers more of its product lineup.

How does Apple Upgrade work?

At its core, Apple Upgrade is a leasing service powered by Klarna. Rather than buying a device outright, customers simply pay a monthly fee to use it for a fixed period. Once the lease ends, they can upgrade to a newer model, return the device, or pay the remaining value if they decide to keep it.

The program is currently available only in the United States through Apple's website, the Apple Store app, and retail stores. It's also a strategy that could encourage more customers to upgrade their devices more frequently instead of holding onto the same hardware for several years.

Which Apple devices are included?

Apple Upgrade program isn't just for iPhones. The new program supports four of Apple's biggest product categories:

It's the first time Apple has offered a single upgrade program across multiple product categories instead of limiting it to iPhones. That said, not every Apple product qualifies. Apple is limiting the program to eligible models, meaning some entry-level and older devices are excluded from the lineup.

How much does it cost?

Monthly lease prices start at:

• Apple Watch: USD 11.99
• iPad: USD 11.99
• iPhone: USD 17.99
• Mac: USD 24.99

Customers can also reduce their monthly payments by trading in an eligible Apple device. Apple Card users will also receive 3% Daily Cash on lease payments. Keep in mind that shorter lease terms come with higher monthly payments. While a 12-month lease costs more each month than a 24-month plan, it also lets users upgrade sooner.

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Is it better than buying outright?

Whether an Apple Upgrade is worth it ultimately depends on how you use your devices. If you usually upgrade your iPhone every year or two, the program could be a convenient way to move to the latest model without paying the full retail price every time.

However, it's important to remember that this is a lease, not a financing plan. With a traditional EMI or installment plan, you own the device once you've completed all the payments. Under Apple Upgrade, you'll need to return the device, upgrade to a newer model, or pay its remaining value if you want to keep it.

Apple also says enrollment requires only a soft credit check through Klarna, meaning applying for the program won't affect a customer's credit score. For users who typically keep their iPhone or Mac for four or five years, buying the device outright could still be the more cost-effective option.

My final thoughts

Looking at the bigger picture, Apple Upgrade feels like a natural evolution of Apple's upgrade strategy. Instead of focusing only on iPhones, the company is now extending the idea to more of its ecosystem, giving customers another way to access the latest hardware without paying the full price upfront.

The biggest thing buyers need to understand, however, is that this isn't the same as buying a device on EMI. You're paying for flexibility rather than ownership, so the program makes the most sense for people who upgrade regularly. If you usually keep your iPhone or Mac for several years, buying outright will likely offer better value.

Whether Apple eventually expands the service beyond the US remains to be seen. But if it does, it could change how many people think about buying premium Apple devices.

• Meanwhile, do watch our video of “I Built My Own iPhone for NPR 20,000 in Nepali”.