Apple upgrade has launched in the United States with monthly leasing for iPhone starting at $17.99. Eligible customers can now choose a payment path that ends with upgrade, purchase, or return instead of only buying outright.
Karen Rasmussen, Apple’s vice president of the Apple Store online, said, "At Apple, we put the customer at the center of everything we do," and "and we’re thrilled that Apple Upgrade offers our customers, both online and in-store, a more flexible way to pay for the products they love."
Apple Store online and in-store
Apple Upgrade is available through the Apple Store online, the Apple Store app, and Apple Store locations in the United States. The program covers iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad, with 12- and 24-month leasing options for iPhone and Apple Watch, and 24- and 36-month leasing options for Mac and iPad.
Pricing starts at $11.99 per month for Apple Watch, $24.99 per month for Mac, and $11.99 per month for iPad, while customers who trade in a currently owned device through Apple Trade In when they first enroll can lower their monthly payments.
Klarna approval and Daily Cash
Applicants can apply within minutes online or in-store and receive quick approval from Klarna, but every application also includes a soft credit inquiry that will not affect the credit score. Customers who pay with Apple Card earn 3 percent Daily Cash back on lease payments, and they can track billing schedules and remaining payments in the Klarna app.
Apple Upgrade launches July 28 in the United States replaces the iPhone Upgrade Program and iPhone Payments in the United States, and eligible customers already enrolled in the iPhone Upgrade Program can choose Apple Upgrade, Apple Card Monthly Installments, buying the product outright, or carrier financing.
Apple Upgrade choices
At the end of the lease term, customers can upgrade to the latest generation, make a one-time payment to buy the device, or return it and exit the program. Apple also says customers can add an AppleCare subscription, use Personal Setup after the transaction, and join free Today at Apple sessions to learn how to get started with their devices.
The open question is eligibility, since Apple says only eligible customers can join and does not spell out the rules in this announcement.
