Apple has unveiled a new leasing programme called ‘Apple Upgrade’, designed to ease the transition to the latest iPhone, Mac, iPad or Apple Watch. Starting today in the US, users can choose to keep their device at the end of their lease, pay off early, or upgrade ahead of schedule.

This move follows recent price hikes for Apple’s hardware due to memory and storage shortages. The MacBook Air and iPad Air will be offered under 24-month leases costing from £17.99 to £24.99 per month, while iPhones and Apple Watches have lower monthly rates of £11.99.

Leasing with Klarna, customers can choose between different plans for Macs and iPads running over 36 months. At the end of their lease term, users retain ownership of the device or can return it to exit the programme. The new Apple Upgrade service replaces the previous iPhone Upgrade Program which is no longer accepting new enrollments.

Interestingly, this latest move excludes AppleCare, the warranty extension plan that has also seen price increases. It’s worth noting that as with many tech companies, leasing could become a common practice if it becomes more appealing than outright purchase. Just remember: late fees can lead to app lockouts, as recent iOS 27 beta code suggests.