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Apple may lease Macs and iPhones as prices climb
A rumored Apple Upgrade program would let customers lease iPhones, Apple Watches, Macs, and iPads instead of buying upfront.
Image: Gizmodo
Apple is reportedly preparing a device leasing program for iPhones, Apple Watches, Macs, and iPads, a move that could lower upfront costs as the company’s hardware gets more expensive.
According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, the rumored “Apple Upgrade” program would let customers lease most iPhone and Apple Watch models for 24 months, while Macs and iPads would be available on three-year terms. Gurman also says customers would be able to pay off a device early, buy it at the end of the lease, or upgrade to a newer model.
That would make the setup work more like a car lease than a traditional installment plan. Bloomberg says Klarna would handle payments, and customers would need to pass a soft credit check. The program would reportedly be available both in Apple Stores and online.
Apple already offers financing on high-end devices, but the report says these lease terms would be cheaper than current financing options and spread payments over a longer period. The tradeoff is ownership: customers would not actually own the device during the lease, at least at first.
That limitation could matter for buyers who prefer to resell their hardware later. The source article also notes that leased devices are not eligible for AppleCare, which could be a drawback for anyone worried about damage. Bloomberg did not say whether Apple would charge a cancellation fee for ending a lease early.
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The timing fits Apple’s recent price increases. The article points to a $2,500 starting price for the M4 Max Mac Studio and a $4,100 M5 Max MacBook Pro. It also notes that a folding iPhone could cost more than $2,400, citing analyst firms including IDC.
Gurman says Apple plans to launch the program on July 28, when the full terms should become clear.
Enterprise Editor
Marcus follows the money. He covers enterprise software, cloud architecture, and the tectonic shifts in Big Tech strategy. He translates dense earnings calls and complex M&A activity into actionable insights about where the industry is actually heading. If a tech giant makes a silent pivot, Marcus is usually the first to notice.
via Gizmodo
