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Apple is promoting new device acquisition strategies in 2026, including a lease-based Apple Upgrade program backed by Klarna that will replace the traditional iPhone Upgrade Program for new customers in the United States. The program offers 24‑month leases for iPhones and Apple Watches and 36‑month leases for Macs and iPads, with options to upgrade, pay off early, or return the device at lease end. Meanwhile, carriers such as T‑Mobile are offering free iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro devices to new or existing customers under specific plan conditions, though taxes and a device connection fee still apply. Apple’s entry‑level MacBook Neo continues to see strong sales, with a mid‑cycle price around $699 and an annual refresh cycle tied to its silicon roadmap.
Apple's new Upgrade program introduces 24‑month leases for iPhones and Apple Watches and 36‑month leases for Macs and iPads, requiring a soft credit check via Klarna.
T‑Mobile offers free iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro devices to customers who meet plan and trade‑in requirements, but taxes and a $35 connection fee are still charged.
The MacBook Neo, priced around $699, remains Apple's lowest‑priced Mac and follows an annual refresh cycle linked to the A18 and A19 Pro chip releases.
Apple Upgrade will not include AppleCare for new lease customers, and existing financing plans remain unchanged for current users.
The lease model may shift payment focus from full device ownership to covering depreciation, prompting concerns about long‑term cost versus traditional financing.
Eligible devices include iPhones, Apple Watches (24‑month leases), and Macs and iPads (36‑month leases), excluding the base iPad, iPhone 16, Apple Watch SE, and MacBook Neo.
Customers can receive a free iPhone 17 by signing up for a 24‑month Experience More or Experience Beyond plan and trading in an eligible phone, or by switching to an Experience Beyond plan without a trade‑in for the iPhone 17 Pro.
The MacBook Neo is priced at $699 (with potential reductions to $599) and is refreshed annually to align with Apple's silicon updates.
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