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Apple Upgrade is a Klarna-provided lease for eligible Apple devices in the United States—not an installment plan that automatically makes the device yours. Before signing, check the term, carrier rules, early-exit cost, return condition, and end-of-lease choices for the specific model and agreement.
1. Apple Upgrade is a lease, not the old iPhone Upgrade Program
Apple Upgrade is offered through Apple’s online store, Apple Store app, and U.S. Apple Store locations, with Klarna providing the lease. At the end of the term, you return the device or choose another option allowed by the agreement; ownership is not automatic. Apple’s program announcement and program terms describe the lease.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $552.01 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $409.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $388.34 | Buy on Amazon |
Do not confuse it with the legacy U.S. iPhone Upgrade Program. That program was a 24-month, 0% APR installment loan through Citizens One, bundled with AppleCare+ and carrier activation. After the required payments, the customer owns the phone. Existing loan agreements remain in effect through their 24-month term. Apple’s current U.S. terms explain that program.
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Apple says Apple Upgrade is available to U.S. residents, excluding U.S. territories, with shipping or store pickup within the eligible U.S. area. It is not a worldwide lease offer. The eligible device list and availability can vary, so confirm them at checkout. Apple’s program terms set out the location limits.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
3. Lease terms differ by device category
Apple lists different term choices by category. Which terms appear depends on the product and model available when you apply.
| Device category | Lease terms listed by Apple |
|---|---|
| iPhone | 12 or 24 months |
| Apple Watch | 12 or 24 months |
| iPad | 24 or 36 months |
| Mac | 24 or 36 months |
These are Apple’s published term options in 2026; they are not a guarantee that every model will offer every term. Check the current terms and eligible products before comparing payments.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
4. Starting monthly payments are examples, not quotes
In its July 28, 2026 announcement, Apple gave these starting monthly lease payments: iPhone, $17.99; Apple Watch, $11.99; Mac, $24.99; and iPad, $11.99. The announcement says examples exclude taxes; the actual payment can vary with the device selected and any trade-in value. These are announcement-era figures, not guaranteed current offers or a complete comparison of total costs. Apple’s announcement has the examples.
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Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
5. Applying requires approval and specific account details
Apple lists these application requirements: U.S. residency, legal age, a Social Security number or ITIN, an accepted credit or debit card, an Apple Account in good standing, a Klarna Account, and the ability to receive text-message security codes. Apple says the application uses a soft credit check that will not affect the credit score, but approval is not guaranteed. Apple’s terms and FAQ provide the requirements.
6. Leased iPhones require an eligible carrier
For an iPhone lease, Apple requires the customer to select an eligible carrier: AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. Prepaid plans are not eligible. Apple says the leased iPhone is unlocked, subject to carrier terms. Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch leases do not require a carrier connection. Check the specific carrier and service terms before choosing an iPhone lease. Apple’s program terms describe the requirements.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
7. Leaving or upgrading early can mean paying the balance
Apple says early upgrade or early termination requires payment of the remaining monthly payments, plus applicable taxes. An early change is therefore not a way to stop paying for the unused portion of the lease. The device must also be returned in the condition required by the agreement. Review the agreement’s balance and return instructions before making an early change. Apple’s terms explain the early-exit requirement.
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Apple requires a returned device to be in good working condition and warns that damage fees may apply if it is lost, stolen, or not returned as required. AppleCare may help avoid damage fees, but it does not guarantee that a device will be accepted without charges. Keep the device protected and functional, and read the return and coverage terms rather than treating coverage as a waiver of your return obligations. Apple’s program terms cover returns and possible fees.
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
9. Choose an end-of-lease option—and note what happens if you do nothing
Apple describes several paths at the end of the lease: return the device and leave, return it and start a new lease to upgrade, or purchase the leased device under the agreement’s purchase option. Apple also describes a month-to-month extension of up to six months; if the customer takes no action after that period, a purchase charge applies. The amount and timing depend on the lease agreement, so check those details in your own contract. Apple’s FAQ and terms describe the options.
10. Compare the lease with the way you would otherwise pay
A monthly figure alone cannot establish whether leasing is cheaper. Compare the same device and configuration across Apple Upgrade, buying outright, Apple Card Monthly Installments, and carrier financing. Apple lists these as alternatives, but its materials do not establish a universal lowest-cost choice. Work through the factors that matter over the period you expect to keep the device:
- Total outlay: Add payments and taxes for your intended holding period, not just the advertised monthly amount.
- Ownership: A lease does not automatically transfer ownership; compare that with a purchase or financing option that ends in ownership.
- Flexibility: Include the cost of ending a lease early and whether you want to upgrade on a fixed schedule.
- Carrier and service: Account for the iPhone carrier requirement and any service commitment relevant to the other option.
- Trade-in: Check how the trade-in value changes the actual payment or purchase cost.
- Return risk and protection: Consider responsibility for the device’s condition, possible damage fees, and any AppleCare cost.
For people already in the legacy iPhone Upgrade Program, Apple says the existing loan continues under its current agreement; after the required payments, the customer owns the phone. Eligible members can consider Apple Upgrade, Apple Card Monthly Installments, an outright purchase, or carrier financing when deciding what to do next. Apple’s legacy program terms and Apple Upgrade terms explain the distinct arrangements.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
