What is and how does "Apple Upgrade" work, the official rental plan for iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks

Apple launched "Apple Upgrade," its new electronic device rental program now available in the United States. Specifically, the program - launched in partnership with Klarna bank - offered by the Cupertino company is based on affordable monthly payments for 12, 24, and 36 months. After the contract ends, the customer must return the equipment.

The program will include products like iPhone, Apple Watch, MacBook, and iPad. Regarding the launch, the vice president of the Apple Online Store, Karen Rasmussen, detailed: "At Apple, we put the customer at the center of everything we do (...) we are thrilled that Apple Upgrade offers our customers, both online and in-store, a more flexible way to pay for the products they love."

How Apple Upgrade Works

Specifically, Apple's equipment rental program has been available since July 28, 2026. For now, it will only reach users located in the United States.

Customers can choose from various products and rental contracts. Thus, they will only pay for using it for a specific period of time. Once the agreement is finished, the user can choose to upgrade their contract to another model, purchase a new generation device, or exit the program. It is important to note that, in this way, the person is never the owner of the device used.

If the customer stops paying for the device, it will be locked and will only allow the use of emergency mode until the debt is settled.

The program is a new version of the iPhone Upgrade Program, a pre-existing plan that allowed financing an iPhone for 24 months and changing it for a new one after making the equivalent of 12 payments.

The company also did not include the subscription to AppleCare - the company's coverage program - so if they want to protect the device, it must be contracted separately.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent an iPhone

For the iPhone and Apple Watch, the company offers options for 12 and 24 months, while Mac and iPad can be contracted for 24 or 36 months.

Plans start from $17.99 per month for the iPhone, $11.99 for the Apple Watch, $24.99 for Mac computers, and $11.99 for the iPad.

Those who enroll for the first time in Apple Upgrade can reduce the value of the monthly payments if they trade in their current device through the Apple Trade In program. Additionally, users who pay the lease with the Apple Card will receive a 3% daily cash back on their payments.

Apple Upgrade: Which Devices Will Be Available for Rent

Specifically, the devices included in the new program are:

iPhone:

• iPhone 17 Pro: from $31.99 for 24 months.
• iPhone Air: from $28.99 for 24 months.
• iPhone 17: from $22.99 for 24 months.
• iPhone 17e: from $17.99 for 24 months.

Apple Watch

• Series 11: from $11.99 for 24 months.
• Ultra 3: from $24.99 for 24 months.
• Hermès Series 11: from $48.78 for 24 months.
• Hermès Ultra 3: from $47.03 for 24 months.

MacBook

• Air: from $24.99 for 36 months.
• Pro: from $38.99 for 36 months.
• iMac: from $28.99 for 36 months.
• Mac Studio: from $48.99 for 36 months.

iPad

• Pro: from $24.99 for 36 months.
• Air: from $15.99 for 36 months.
• Mini: from $11.99 for 36 months.