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In the United States, Apple Upgrade is a Klarna-provided lease—not the former iPhone Upgrade Program loan. With the lease, you make payments for a chosen term and generally upgrade by completing those payments and returning the device in good working condition. You can upgrade earlier by paying the remaining lease payments plus applicable taxes. Lease payments do not automatically make the device yours; the lease’s purchase option applies if you want to keep it.
The former iPhone Upgrade Program is ending for new U.S. enrollments. Existing members continue under their Citizens One loan terms, which differ from Apple Upgrade’s lease rules.
How Apple Upgrade works
Apple Upgrade lets eligible U.S. customers lease certain Apple devices through Klarna. You choose an eligible product and an offered lease term, apply, and make monthly payments. At the end of the term, Apple describes three options: upgrade to an eligible device, buy the leased device under the lease’s purchase option, or return it and leave the program. The signed lease agreement governs the exact purchase and end-of-term terms.
Apple launched the program in the United States on July 28, 2026. Apple says it is available through the Apple Store online, the Apple Store app, and U.S. Apple Store locations. Apple’s launch announcement describes the lease and its availability.
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What devices and lease terms are offered?
Apple lists these lease-term options on its current Apple Upgrade page. They are contract options, and availability of individual products can change; check the offer shown at checkout.
| Device category | Listed lease terms |
|---|---|
| iPhone | 12 or 24 months |
| Apple Watch | 12 or 24 months |
| iPad | 24 or 36 months |
| Mac | 24 or 36 months |
Apple lists eligible product families and models on its Apple Upgrade page. Eligibility is tied to the live offer, so do not assume a particular model qualifies based solely on its product category.
Who can apply?
Apple’s current eligibility information describes the program as limited to eligible U.S. applicants and products. Applicants must reside in the United States, excluding territories; be at least 18 or the legal age in their state; have an Apple Account in good standing and a Klarna Account; and be able to receive verification codes by text. Approval is not guaranteed.
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For a first-time application, Apple says applicants provide identity and contact details, a billing address, and a Social Security number. A valid eligible U.S. credit or debit card is required; prepaid cards are not accepted. Apple says the application includes a soft credit check that will not affect the applicant’s credit score. Review Apple’s current eligibility details and the checkout offer before applying.
For an iPhone lease, Apple’s July 2026 launch announcement says applicants must select an eligible carrier: AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. Prepaid carrier plans are not eligible. Apple says leased iPhones are unlocked, subject to carrier terms; confirm the current carrier requirements in the offer and agreement.
When can you upgrade?
At the end of the selected lease term
Apple says you can generally upgrade after making all payments for the term you selected, subject to eligibility and approval for the new lease. To proceed, choose a new eligible device and apply again. The old leased device must be returned in good working condition.
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Before the lease term ends
Apple’s upgrade guidance says an early upgrade requires paying all remaining monthly lease payments plus applicable taxes. An early upgrade is therefore not simply a trade-in that cancels the rest of the lease. See Apple’s upgrade instructions for the current process.
How device returns, damage, and shipping affect costs
Apple says you can return the old device using a prepaid return kit or by dropping it off at an Apple Store. The device must be in good working condition for an upgrade. If it is damaged and not covered by AppleCare, Apple says a one-time damage fee may apply. If AppleCare covers the damage, a service fee may apply after assessment.
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- 【Full Covered Camera Protector】Compared with the traditional cell phone case for iPhone 11, the camera was all full covered and 1.3mm raised lips to protect iPhone 11 screen.
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What happens if you want to keep the device?
Apple describes a purchase option under the lease, so keeping the device involves paying the amount specified by that agreement; completing lease payments alone does not transfer ownership. Apple also describes an extension and a possible purchase fee if a customer takes no action after the stated extension period. The precise deadline, amount, and outcome depend on the signed agreement, so review it rather than relying on a general program description.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Apple Upgrade lease vs. the former iPhone Upgrade Program
The names are similar, but the contracts are not interchangeable. Apple Upgrade is a Klarna lease for eligible iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch products. The former U.S. iPhone Upgrade Program was a Citizens Bank, N.A., doing business as Citizens One, installment loan for an iPhone and AppleCare+.
| Feature | Apple Upgrade | Former iPhone Upgrade Program |
|---|---|---|
| Contract type | Klarna lease | 24-month, 0% APR installment loan for the iPhone’s full retail price plus selected AppleCare+ |
| Normal upgrade timing | After all payments for the selected lease term, with return of the leased device and approval for a new lease | After the equivalent of at least 12 payments, subject to the legacy terms |
| Early route | Pay remaining monthly lease payments plus applicable taxes | After six regularly scheduled payments, members could accelerate payments to reach the equivalent of at least 12 installments |
| Provider and status | Klarna; current U.S. lease offer | Citizens One; Apple says new U.S. enrollment is ending, while existing loans continue |
| End of payments | Lease payments do not by themselves establish ownership; the purchase option and agreement apply | Existing members own the phone when the 24-month loan is complete |
The legacy program required a credit check, wireless activation with an eligible carrier, and continuous AppleCare+ coverage for upgrade eligibility. The phone had to be in good physical and operational condition, and qualifying repairs or replacements had to be completed through Apple, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or under AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss. To upgrade, a member applied for and entered a new 24-month loan, traded in the old phone, and met return requirements such as disabling Activation Lock. A new credit check applied. The original terms also specified how taxes and fees were handled: for Apple Store purchases they were included in the loan, while Apple.com purchases charged them separately. See Apple’s U.S. iPhone Upgrade Program terms.
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Apple says existing Citizens One members do not need to take immediate action: their agreements continue until the 24-month loan is complete. Members who have made enough payments to become eligible for their next iPhone may move to Apple Upgrade, close out the old loan and use Apple Card Monthly Installments in an Apple Store, buy outright, or choose carrier financing. Apple says AppleCare coverage financed through the old loan remains active for its full 24-month term while the loan is in good standing or paid in full. Check Apple’s transition information and your own account and loan agreement.
How to compare Apple Upgrade with other ways to pay
Compare the contract’s total cost and obligations, not just the advertised monthly payment. A lease, loan, carrier offer, and outright purchase can differ in ownership, upgrade timing, eligibility, return obligations, and fees.
Quick Recap
- Ownership: A lease requires attention to its return or purchase terms. A completed loan or outright purchase has different ownership consequences.
- Upgrade timing: Apple Upgrade follows the selected lease term, unless you pay the remaining lease payments and applicable taxes. The former program’s 12-equivalent-payment threshold belongs to the legacy loan, not the lease.
- Costs beyond regular payments: Account for taxes, any early payoff, purchase amount or fee, damage or service charges, and any trade-in credit stated in the offer.
- Eligibility and return conditions: Check approval requirements, carrier and product eligibility, device condition standards, and how long return shipping may affect billing.
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.
