Apple Upgrade: A newly launched service for renting iPhone, iPad, and Mac hardware.
Apple has partnered with Klarna to launch the Apple Upgrade service in the US, allowing users to lease devices flexibly for 12 to 36 months, starting at just a few hundred thousand Vietnamese dong.
Apple has officially launched its Apple Upgrade service in the US market through a partnership with the financial platform Klarna. This is a comprehensive device leasing solution covering everything from iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches to Mac computers, allowing users to experience the latest ecosystem without incurring large upfront investment costs.
Operating mechanism and post-contract options
The Apple Upgrade program marks the end of the two previous installment payment options in the US: the iPhone Upgrade Program and iPhone Payments. Customers using the old plans can switch to the new lease option if they meet the eligibility requirements. The service offers flexible terms of 12, 24, or 36 months.
Unlike traditional installment plans for purchasing devices through carriers, after the Apple Upgrade lease contract ends, users have three options:
- Upgrade:Switch to the latest generation of devices.
- Buy outright:Pay the remaining balance to fully own the device.
- Refund:Return the equipment to terminate the contract without incurring any additional purchase costs.
Details of rental fees for various equipment models.
The program's monthly fees are designed to be relatively flexible depending on the product line and subscription term. Details of the starting prices for devices within the Apple ecosystem are as follows:
| Product line | Applicable period | Monthly rental cost |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17e | 24 months | 18 USD (approximately 450,000 VND) |
| iPhone 17 (Standard) | 24 months | 23 USD (approximately 575,000 VND) |
| Air iPhone | 24 months | 29 USD (~725,000 VND) |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 24 months | 32 USD (approximately 800,000 VND) |
| iPad mini | 36 months | 12 USD (approximately 300,000 VND) |
| iPad Air | 36 months | 16 USD (approximately 400,000 VND) |
| iPad Pro | 36 months | 25 USD (approximately 625,000 VND) |
| Apple Watch Series 11 | 24 months | 12 USD (approximately 300,000 VND) |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | 24 months | 25 USD (approximately 625,000 VND) |
| MacBook Air | 36 months | 25 USD (approximately 625,000 VND) |
| MacBook Pro | 36 months | 39 USD (approximately 975,000 VND) |
Eligibility criteria and scalability
Users can apply online or in person at Apple Stores. The application process only requires a soft credit check, ensuring it will not affect the customer's personal credit score.
The requirements for participating in the program include:
- Must be a U.S. citizen aged 18 or older.
- Have valid identification and use an accepted payment card.
- Keep your Apple account and Klarna account active and functioning properly.
Currently, the program is only available in the US market. Tech users in other regions are still waiting for an official announcement from Apple regarding plans to expand this service globally.