Apple today announced Apple Upgrade, a new product leasing program provided by Klarna for iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, and iPad available on the Apple Store online, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple Retail Store locations in the United States. Apple Upgrade makes it even easier for customers to get the Apple products they love with a leasing plan that is right for them.

“At Apple, we put the customer at the center of everything we do,” said Karen Rasmussen, Apple’s vice president of the Apple Store online, in a statement, “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 Upgrade offers 12- and 24-month leasing options for iPhone and Apple Watch, and 24- and 36-month leasing options for Mac and iPad. Leasing prices start as low as $17.99 per month for iPhone, $11.99 for Apple Watch, $24.99 for Mac, and $11.99 for iPad. When customers first enroll in Apple Upgrade, they can further lower their monthly lease payments by trading in their currently owned device through Apple Trade In. Customers can also earn 3 percent Daily Cash back when making their lease payments with Apple Card.

Upgrading Has Never Been Easier

With Apple Upgrade, customers can expect the same seamless and personalized shopping experience online and in stores. Apple and Klarna have created a simple enrollment process that provides customers with detailed information regarding their leasing options before they enroll.

Upon choosing their preferred leasing option, customers can apply within minutes — online or in-store — and receive quick approval from Klarna. All applicants will be subject to a soft credit inquiry that will not impact their credit score. Once approved, they can complete their transaction as usual. In-store customers can enjoy their new device right away, while online customers can choose delivery or in-store pickup. Whether they shop in-store or online, all customers can take advantage of Apple’s Personal Setup service to help get their new product ready to use and ask any questions they might have. They can also join the many free and educational Today at Apple sessions to learn how to get started — or go further — with their devices.
At the end of the lease term, customers can upgrade their device to the latest generation, purchase it with a one-time payment, or simply return it and exit the program. In the Klarna app, they can stay on top of all of their lease information, including their billing schedule and remaining payments. Customers can add an AppleCare subscription to protect their products, making the return of their current device and upgrade to a new one even easier.

With the launch of Apple Upgrade, Apple will no longer offer the iPhone Upgrade Program and iPhone Payments in the United States. When eligible, customers currently enrolled in the iPhone Upgrade Program will have the option of leasing a new device with Apple Upgrade, financing with Apple Card Monthly Installments, purchasing the product outright, or choosing carrier financing.
Explore the Lineup and Upgrade Today

iPhone

iPhone 17e delivers incredible value with faster performance, an advanced camera system, enhanced durability, the magic of MagSafe, and double the starting storage at 256GB. iPhone 17 is packed with features users will enjoy every day, including a bigger and brighter display with ProMotion up to 120Hz, all-day battery life with faster charging, a fantastic 48MP Dual Fusion camera system, and the Center Stage front camera. iPhone Air features a thin and light design that is more durable than any previous model, with pro performance, advanced camera systems on the front and back, and all-day battery life. With a unibody design optimized for performance and powered by A19 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are the most powerful Pro models ever made, delivering the best performance, camera systems, and battery life in an iPhone. iPhone leases start at $17.99.

Apple Watch

Apple Watch Series 11 is the ultimate health and fitness companion, featuring the most comprehensive set of health features yet — including groundbreaking hypertension notifications that can alert users to signs of chronic high blood pressure, and sleep score, which helps users understand the quality of their sleep and how to make it more restorative. With up to 24 hours of battery life and a display that’s 2x more scratch-resistant, Apple Watch Series 11 is more convenient than ever to wear throughout the day and night. Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the most advanced Apple Watch — rugged and capable, built for sports and adventure while seamlessly serving as a powerful health companion. It features the largest display ever in an Apple Watch, powered by Apple’s most advanced display technology with LTPO3 and wide-angle OLEDs, along with up to 42 hours of battery life — or up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. Apple Watch Ultra 3 also features built-in, two-way satellite communications, so users can text emergency services, message friends and family, and share their location even when off the grid. Apple Watch leases start at $11.99.

Mac

Available in 13- and 15-inch models, MacBook Air with M5 delivers incredible performance, up to 18 hours of battery life, and advanced AI capabilities in a thin, light, and durable aluminum design. The M5 family of chips — M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max — deliver even more performance and capabilities to MacBook Pro, the world’s best pro laptop. All MacBook Pro models deliver game-changing performance and advanced AI capabilities, and include a Liquid Retina XDR display with a nano-texture option, an advanced 12MP Center Stage camera, and up to 24 hours of battery life. Powered by the M4 chip, iMac is the world’s best all-in-one and features a nano-texture display option, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity — all in its strikingly thin design. Mac Studio with M4 Max and M3 Ultra is the most powerful Mac ever made, delivering groundbreaking pro and AI performance, plus extensive connectivity with Thunderbolt 5 in its compact and quiet design that can live right on a desk. Mac leases start at $24.99.

iPad

iPad Air features blazing performance, 12GB of unified memory, and fast connectivity, empowering users to be productive and creative wherever they are. With the Ultra Retina XDR display and the power of M5, iPad Pro offers the most advanced iPad experience, packing powerful performance in a stunningly thin and light design. iPad mini delivers the full iPad experience in a device users can hold in the palm of their hand. Accessories such as Magic Keyboard extend the versatility of iPad Air and iPad Pro, while Apple Pencil Pro unlocks even more magical capabilities for illustrating, note-taking, annotating, and more on iPad Air, iPad Pro, and iPad mini. iPad leases start at $11.99.

More info about Apple Upgrade here.
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MacDailyNews Take: Here’s the fine print:

1. iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, Apple Watch SE, MacBook Neo, Mac mini, iPad (A16), and Studio Display are not available as part of the Apple Upgrade program.

2. Apple Card is subject to credit approval, available only for qualifying applicants in the United States, and issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City Branch.

3. Subject to eligibility and credit approval.

4. Upgrades require entering into a new lease and returning your prior device, and are subject to eligibility and credit approval.

5. AppleCare delivers exceptional service and support, with flexible options for Apple users. Customers can choose AppleCare+ to cover their new product, or AppleCare One to protect multiple products in one simple plan. Both plans include coverage for accidents like drops and spills, theft and loss protection on eligible products, battery replacement service, and 24/7 support from Apple Experts. For more information, visit apple.com/applecare.

6. Apple Card Monthly Installments (ACMI) is a 0 percent APR payment option that is only available if users select it at checkout in the U.S. for eligible products purchased at Apple and is subject to credit approval and credit limit. See support.apple.com/en-us/102730 for more information about eligible products. Additional limits and restrictions apply. See the Apple Card Customer Agreement for more information about ACMI.

7. Apple Watch Series 11 with Ion-X glass has a ceramic coating that provides 2x more scratch resistance than Series 10 with Ion-X glass.

8. Subject to availability.

This offer is for a consumer lease, not a purchase or loan. Lease provided by Klarna Inc. for 12-, 24-, or 36-month term. 12- and 36-month terms not available for all device models. Your first monthly payment is due approximately 30 days after device is shipped or available for pickup. Lease approval is subject to eligibility and is based on creditworthiness. Monthly payments are based on the selected device and lease term. For example:

For an iPhone 17 Pro 256GB with a purchase price of $1,099 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit), the typical monthly payment is $31.99 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit) for a 24-month lease term and $45.99 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit) for a 12-month lease term.

For an Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS) 42mm with a purchase price of $399 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit), the typical monthly payment is $11.99 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit) for a 24-month lease term and $21.99 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit) for a 12-month lease term.

For an 11-inch iPad Pro 256GB with a purchase price of $1,199 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit), the typical monthly payment is $24.99 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit) for a 36-month lease term and $31.99 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit) for a 24-month lease term.

For a 14-inch MacBook Pro 16GB with a purchase price of $1,999 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit), the typical monthly payment is $38.99 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit) for a 36-month lease term and $53.99 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit) for a 24-month lease term.

No security deposit required. A trade-in device may reduce monthly payments. Advertised monthly payment amount may not include a trade-in device’s estimated value. Upgrades are not guaranteed and are subject to eligibility and approval.

For iPhone only: In order to lease an iPhone, you must select an eligible carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon), but you cannot use a prepaid carrier plan. A leased iPhone is always unlocked, so you can switch carriers at any time, subject to your carrier’s terms.

Terminating the Apple Upgrade lease: Closing your lease and returning your device terminates your lease. You may incur substantial fees if you terminate your lease before the end of your initial lease term. You may have the option to upgrade to a new device by entering into a new lease agreement and returning your prior device. If you upgrade, your new monthly payments may be greater than your prior monthly payments. If you do not upgrade, terminate your lease, or purchase your device by the end of the initial lease term, the lease will convert to a month-to-month lease for up to six months. Your monthly payments may increase during the month-to-month periods. If you take no action at the end of your extension period, you will be charged the purchase fee under your lease. You will not own your device at the end of your lease, unless you pay the purchase fee. Insurance is not included in your lease, and you may incur damage fees if the device is lost, stolen, or not returned in the condition required by the lease.

Apple Upgrade lease eligibility: Leases are only available to U.S. residents (excluding residents of U.S. territories). Leased devices are only available for shipping to U.S. addresses (excluding U.S. territories) or pick up at Apple Retail stores in the U.S. (excluding U.S. territories). To be eligible for a lease, you must be at least 18 years old (or the legal age in your state of residence), have a valid Social Security Number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), have an accepted credit or debit card, have an Apple Account in good standing, have a Klarna Account, and be able to receive security verification codes via text message. Leases are not available on refurbished accessories or online at the following special stores: Apple Employee Purchase Plan; participating corporate Employee Purchase Programs; Apple at Work for small businesses or enterprises; Government, Education, or Veterans and Military Purchase Programs.

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In his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman highlights two notable Apple developments: a new AI tool being tested in retail stores and previously undisclosed plans for the now-defunct Mac Pro.

AI Recording and Transcription for Genius Bar Appointments

Apple is piloting an AI-powered system called Live Notes at select retail stores. The tool allows Genius Bar employees to record conversations with customers using an iPad. AI then transcribes and summarizes the discussion, automatically adding it to the employee’s notes and the official repair session record.

Key details of the pilot include:

• Opt-in only — Both the employee and customer must agree before recording begins.

• Goal — Reduce manual note-taking so staff can focus more on customer service and problem-solving rather than typing during appointments.

• Integration — Transcripts feed directly into Apple’s internal Genius Bar system for better documentation and follow-up.

This initiative reflects Apple’s broader push to integrate AI across its ecosystem, including retail operations, to improve efficiency while maintaining a personal touch in customer interactions. Privacy safeguards via the opt-in requirement appear designed to address potential concerns.

Apple Once had Bigger Plans for the Mac Pro

Apple discontinued the Mac Pro earlier in 2026, but new reporting reveals the company once had far more ambitious plans for the high-end desktop. Gurman notes that Apple developed — but ultimately shelved — “M2 Extreme” and “M3 Extreme” chip variants specifically intended for the Mac Pro.

These ultra-powerful chips were part of an effort to deliver even greater performance for professional users who rely on the modular, expandable workstation. The decision not to release them contributed to the product’s eventual discontinuation, as Apple shifted focus amid changing market demands and the rise of more portable high-performance options like Mac Studio and MacBook Pro configurations.

The revelations underscore the evolving nature of Apple’s Mac lineup, where even flagship products like the Mac Pro face tough strategic trade-offs in an AI-driven computing era.

MacDailyNews Take: Not everything makes it to market. Conditions change. As always, retail and pro desktop innovations continue to shape the company’s customer and professional user experiences.

In the end, Mac Pro was a waste of aluminum. – MacDailyNews, March 30, 2026

For the vast majority of professional users (video editors, photographers, 3D artists, developers, and those running AI/ML workloads) the Mac Studio is the superior choice overall. It delivers an excellent balance of performance, price, compact size, and modern features. The Mac Studio covers 90% (or more) of what the Mac Pro once offered, but at a fraction of the cost and with newer silicon, and the promise of regular updates. The discontinued Mac Pro was only preferable, or truly necessary, in the rare cases that demand heavy internal PCIe expansion that cannot be adequately handled externally via Thunderbolt; a very niche market. – MacDailyNews, March 27, 2026

Apple’s Mac Pro is a dead end. Mac Studio is the high-end Mac future now. Bring on the M5 Ultra Mac Studio and rename it “Mac Pro.” – MacDailyNews, November 17, 2025

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