Apple Upgrade Program: What You Need to Know About the New Leasing Model
Apple has officially introduced "Apple Upgrade," a new leasing program that allows customers in the United States to access devices like the iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch for a low monthly fee without the burden of an upfront cost. By partnering with Klarna, the program offers flexible lease terms—ranging from 12 to 36 months depending on the hardware—with monthly starting prices as low as $11.99. It is important to note that this is a leasing model rather than a traditional installment plan; at the end of the term, users must either return the device, trade it in for a newer model, or pay an additional fee to own it outright.
Despite the excitement surrounding this launch, the program is currently exclusive to the US market, and there is no indication that it will be rolling out in the UAE anytime soon. While residents in the UAE cannot access Apple Upgrade, they still have several alternatives for acquiring new tech, including the Apple Trade In program and various zero-interest installment plans offered by local banks or services like Tabby. Unlike the new US-based leasing scheme, these local options focus on permanent ownership rather than a return-at-the-end agreement.