Apple is partnering with Klarna to introduce a lease-to-own program for its devices, launching next Tuesday. Dubbed Apple Upgrade, the scheme will allow customers to pay over 24 months or 36 months for iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches.
The terms differ: up to two years for iPhone and Watch users, but three years for Mac and iPad users. At the end of the lease, devices can be returned or upgraded. Transactions may incur fees in some cases.
Apple is addressing supply chain issues, particularly a shortage of memory chips, by raising prices, with this program aiming to make those hikes more acceptable to consumers. As new CEO John Ternus takes charge amid legal battles with OpenAI, any move that boosts sales looks promising.
A leasing scheme is strategic; it allows Apple to maintain revenue streams during tough economic periods. However, it may also contribute to the growing culture of tech ownership and upgrades. In an era where AI demands more resources than ever, could this lease-to-own model become a new normal?
