Apple Eyes 24-Month Device Leases, Raising Fears of Perpetual Upgrades
Updated
Updated · 9to5Mac · Jul 21
Apple Eyes 24-Month Device Leases, Raising Fears of Perpetual Upgrades
3 articles · Updated · 9to5Mac · Jul 21
Summary
Bloomberg’s reported Apple Upgrade plan would replace today’s 24-month iPhone financing with a lease-style contract that may leave customers without ownership at term end.
Under the reported structure, monthly payments would cover depreciation rather than the full device price, meaning users may need to return the product or make a balloon payment to keep it.
That could push iPhone users into upgrading every 2 years and Mac buyers every 3 years, lowering monthly costs but potentially increasing lifetime ownership costs.
The concern is sharper because AppleCare+ is reportedly excluded, creating a risk that customers could keep paying on a lost or damaged device and still face an end-of-lease payoff.
Earlier reports said Apple may halt new iPhone Upgrade Program enrollments next week and expand the Klarna-backed leasing model to Macs, iPads and Apple Watches.