TechCrunch reported Apple will launch Apple Upgrade with Klarna in the U.S. on July 28.
Why it matters: If the reported terms hold, Apple would be offering a new financing path for buyers of iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches. That could shape how Apple markets higher-priced devices and how consumers compare installment options.
- TechCrunch reported Apple plans to launch Apple Upgrade with Klarna in the U.S. on July 28.
- The reported program would cover most iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch models.
- Reported terms run up to 24 months for iPhones and Apple Watches and up to 36 months for Macs and iPads.
- At the end of the term, customers would reportedly pay the remaining balance or return the device and upgrade.
TechCrunch reported that Apple is preparing to launch Apple Upgrade with Klarna in the U.S. on July 28. The report described the offering as a lease-to-own program for Apple devices.
According to the report, the program would apply to most iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch models. The reported term lengths are up to 24 months for iPhones and Apple Watches, and up to 36 months for Macs and iPads.
TechCrunch said customers would be able to either pay off the remaining balance at the end of the term or return the device and upgrade. That would give Apple another way to offer installment-style payments alongside its existing financing options.
Apple's current iPhone Upgrade Program lets customers upgrade after six monthly payments by paying the equivalent of at least 12 installments. Apple says title transfers away from the customer when the upgrade option is used. Apple's legal terms set out that structure.
Apple also lists financing options on its site, including buy-now-pay-later offers for some purchases. Apple's financing page already points to existing payment plans, while Klarna's terms show a separate Apple-related lease-to-own path for some devices.
By the numbers
- July 28 - reported U.S. launch date
- 24 months - reported maximum term for iPhones and Apple Watches
- 36 months - reported maximum term for Macs and iPads
Yes, but: The launch and terms are based on TechCrunch's reporting, not an Apple announcement in the provided materials.
What's next: If TechCrunch's report is accurate, the program would launch in the U.S. on July 28.