Apple Upgrade: 20 Things to Know Before Leasing an iPhone, iPad, or Mac

[FernMam]

One of Apple’s biggest flaws, one that has never changed and has actually become more pronounced over time, is that it doesn’t come across as a truly global company.

It has far too many US-only features, etc. This is just one example among many.

I have nothing against Apple offering features specifically for its home country. The problem is that there are simply too many of them, and many are important.

I’m in Europe, and I’d love to have access to this program. But I don’t. The previous one wasn’t available here either.

I’ve been an Apple user since the 1990s.

 

[Skwoodge]

One of Apple’s biggest flaws, one that has never changed and has actually become more pronounced over time, is that it doesn’t come across as a truly global company.

It has far too many US-only features, etc. This is just one example among many.

I have nothing against Apple offering features specifically for its home country. The problem is that there are simply too many of them, and many are important.

I’m in Europe, and I’d love to have access to this program. But I don’t. The previous one wasn’t available here either.

I’ve been an Apple user since the 1990s.

That's because they're complying with the jurisdictions/laws of each country. They are global. Blame each country's government ... not Apple. Governments want Apple to universally restrict or bypass Apple's security measures ... but instead of ruining the experience for all iPhone users ... they instead remove that feature from that country.

 

[Ethrem]

Wouldn't be the same amount compared with the Apple Card Installments that are 12 months?

Actually it's more than 12 months.

I would not be comfortable putting such a large purchase on ACMI at 12 months but I would think about it at 36 on the lease.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

Probably a lot more than $300. $700? Klarna charges like 30% sometimes when I see them offering on Amazon. The math isn’t adding up. It’s a financial company with investors. One more party to take part of people’s money.

The math adds up, you're just bad at math maybe. And if you actually took the time to read anything about this program, you'd see Klarna isn't charging anything -- 100% of your payments go to the purchase and not one extra penny is charged by Klarna.

 

[tribeaumes]

That is the only difference?

Not anyone can qualify for an Apple Card credit card but Klarna will loan to anyone knowing very well you have bad credit and are likely to default on payments.

 

[sjc83]

Does anyone know this program will work with Spectrum Mobile, since it says all the phones are unlocked,

 

[Left0verture]

phone: lease payment
Apple Care: monthly?
cell service: monthly payment
apps:most are subscription
iCloud storage: monthly payment
iPhone Fold/Ultra: ~$2500

Kinda getting expensive. I suppose it makes sense for some people. Coming soon: Apple Mortgage…

 

[SpotOnT]

“Code in the iOS 27 beta suggested Apple could restrict apps and services if there are missed payments on a leased device”


Ummmm why is Apple putting a kill switch in there?

Considering how frequently carriers “accidentally” lock phones they have no right to lock, I hate to see how many times peoples phones get “accidentally” killed.

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

I do wonder, if I get a leased Iphone and pay it off early, would that paid off phone lessen the monthly payment for whatever leased Iphone I get after that?

 

[Ethosik]

I would not be comfortable putting such a large purchase on ACMI at 12 months but I would think about it at 36 on the lease.

Looking at it, it seems both plans are essentially the same if you are doing this to own. As long as you make sure to perform the buyout at the end. The Mac Studio I linked in my post will cost $14,299.00 at the end regardless if I use the monthly installments or the apple finance. The finance option gives added bonus of being longer duration and as you mentioned, won't be on my credit report as a $14,000 balance. Plus, as I stated, I can invest that $14,000 and make even more money out of it with either option.

 

[Wegmans]

All this plus the monthly penalty to have an iCloud account (2TB+). This is getting ridiculous! As someone else said “FU, Apple!” Happy to be a shareholder, but very unhappy with how this turned out. Maybe the EU will come to the rescue lol

 

[joshwithachance]

They are ready to BANK on missed payments and/or damaged devices…

 

[InVinoVeritasty]

"You'll own nothing and you'll be happy"

 

[vantelimus]

I get the reason Apple is doing this. Leasing through Klarna will reduce the monthly payment at a time when prices are rising. That will lower the growing price resistance we've seen expressed on MacRumors by people who are outraged by the effect of the memory supply shock. It will also result in a larger stream of used devices that can be refurbished and resold. That lowers the price of joining the Apple ecosystem for those who aren't obsessed with chasing the latest hardware. And that can grow the customer base for Apple services.

That's all good stuff for revenue, but I think this deal may hurt Apple's reputation. Klarna does not have a great reputation. It is a Buy-Now-Pay-Later company with poor (automated) service. Although Klarna is providing consumer credit, BPNL products are not always covered by regulations which protect consumers. That could induce some into making unwise purchases. A big concern with BNPL schemes is that they disproportionately attract those who already have poor credit and are stretched financially. This gets especially problematic when people get desperate and use Klarna to finance current spending on things like groceries and DoorDash deliveries.

Another significant thing that one could consider compromised here is Apple's privacy claim. Using a financing partner whose privacy policy doesn't align with Apple's weakens Apple's privacy claims. Klarna specifically says on their privacy policy page, among other things, that they will use your data (which includes PII) for:

• Provide advertising, including advertising based on your use of the Klarna Services or third-party websites.
• Perform statistical, demographic and marketing analyses of users of the Klarna Services and their purchasing patterns.
• Conduct any other legitimate business activities not otherwise prohibited by law.

Klarna's reputation on the other hand benefits greatly. They get an implicit endorsement from Apple. They operate through Apple's website. They get the benefit of Apple controlling the initial retail experience. They can appear less like a BNPL company (with all the associated controversy) and more like a reputable financial institution.

 

[polaris20]

All this plus the monthly penalty to have an iCloud account (2TB+). This is getting ridiculous! As someone else said “FU, Apple!” Happy to be a shareholder, but very unhappy with how this turned out. Maybe the EU will come to the rescue lol

No one’s forcing you to get iCloud either.

 

[FattiesGoneWild]

This is terrible! The poor’s will eat it up in mass though since a phone is priority over bills, like rent or car payment’s. The mental gymnastics will be strong with this one coping and justifying their leases. 😆🙂‍↔️

 

[CMoore515]

Looks like this article gets it wrong, Apple's FAQ says Klarna will accept some, but not all, credit cards, which should include the Apple Card.

Apple Upgrade - Lease iPhone, Mac, iPad, Watch

Introducing Apple Upgrade, a new way to always have the Apple products you love. Lease a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch with low monthly payments.

www.apple.com

Apple Card is a Mastercard on Goldman Sachs. But ironically enough, it will be transitioning to JP Morgan Chase over the next 2 years or so, so hopefully Klarna takes Chase by then?

You can use your Apple Card. The author of the article didn't do their research as one can use a credit card as well.

From the apple upgrade page:

"Customers can also earn 3 percent Daily Cash back when making their lease payments with Apple Card"

"You can use all debit cards and most major credit cards for your Klarna payments. However, some card networks, like AMEX and UnionPay — and some card issuers, like Chase and Capital One — are not accepted at Klarna.

Apple accepts major credit and debit cards for charges associated with AppleCare and any accessories that are not financed. Apple Pay and PayPal are not accepted for Apple Upgrade."

FWIW, the Apple Card language isn't there anymore as of 7:24PM CST

 

[Wegmans]

No one’s forcing you to get iCloud either.

I hear you but I have family lock-in, if you know what I mean. No less expensive alternative is as natively integrated, unfortunately.

 

[jaytv111]

FWIW, the Apple Card language isn't there anymore as of 7:24PM CST

Still there for me.

 

[MacGizmo]

Much like leasing a car, this is a bad deal all around... unless you're a fool and think "low monthly payments" is the ticket to financial success.

 

[CarAnalogy]

Lost me at klarna. Lost me again at debit card/ach/debit only.

The cash only payment is standard. Credit companies don’t accept payment in credit.

Wonder why…

 

[sleven]

Honestly think I’m more confused after reading this article; headed back for a second pass.

 

[mannyvel]

I’m in Europe, and I’d love to have access to this program. But I don’t. The previous one wasn’t available here either.

I’ve been an Apple user since the 1990s.

Presumably that's due to the privacy restrictions imposed by foreign countries on data sharing. The US credit market can pull in a ridiculous amount of data points. In the EU that would be quite difficult, if not impossible, to do in the current regulatory environment.

Credit validation is about trying to evaluate risks, and you can't evaluate risk if people can hide their risks from you legally.

There was an article a while back talking about why there's no European version of Visa/MasterCard; it delves into the issue in more detail.

 

[TonyC28]

Seems like maybe a good deal if you have phone to trade in to start. Assume iPhone 18 Pro is $1299. The lease amounts are about 70%, so $909. If I trade in my 16 Pro, currently valued at $560, that makes the payment about $14.50 a month. That could be tempting.

 

[ThailandToo]

The math adds up, you're just bad at math maybe. And if you actually took the time to read anything about this program, you'd see Klarna isn't charging anything -- 100% of your payments go to the purchase and not one extra penny is charged by Klarna.

Agree. It is more than $300 though.