Apple Upgrade Program Explained: Is It ACTUALLY Worth It?

Apple has launched a new US leasing program called Apple Upgrade, letting customers lease an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch through Klarna. But is leasing an Apple device actually worth it, or are you better off buying it outright? In this video, I break down the real cost of Apple Upgrade using the iPhone 17 Pro as an example. We compare returning the phone after one year, upgrading to a new iPhone every year, buying the phone at the end of the lease, and purchasing it outright before reselling it yourself. The program can make upgrading more convenient and spread out the cost of expensive devices, but you give up the resale and trade-in value that often makes buying an iPhone the better financial decision. However, the end-of-lease buyout option may be the program’s biggest advantage, since it effectively works like a 12-month interest-free payment plan. We also look at how Apple Upgrade could make an expensive device like the rumored iPhone Ultra more accessible, along with the potential benefits of leasing an entire Apple ecosystem for work or school. Would you lease your next iPhone through Apple Upgrade, or would you rather buy it and keep the resale value? Let me know in the comments. #Apple #AppleUpgrade #iPhone #iPhone17Pro #iPhoneUltra #Klarna 📲 Read more: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/28/apple-upgrade-program-klarna/ 🌐 Connect with Dan: 𝕏: https://twitter.com/danbarbera Instagram: https://instagram.com/danbarbera1 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@macrumors Dan's YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/danbarbera1 🎙️ Follow The MacRumors Show Podcast: https://youtube.com/@TheMacRumorsShow The most popular Apple News & Rumors site on the Internet. Welcome to MacRumors, your ultimate destination for in-depth and insightful Mac reviews, where we go beyond the surface to bring you a comprehensive look at everything Apple & Mac! 🍎✨ 🖥️💻Thorough Reviews: We meticulously test and evaluate each product, exploring the features, performance, and understanding its capabilities. 🔍 In-Depth Analysis: Dive deep into the intricacies of Apple's latest technologies and innovations. 🌐 Mac News & Rumors: Stay up-to-date with our coverage of the latest tech news, and be the first to know about upcoming new Apple product releases, updates, and developments. 🔧 Apple Accessories: Enhance your Mac experience with our reviews and recommendations for must-have accessories. 💡 Tips & Tricks: Unlock the full potential of your Mac with our tips and tricks that make your user experience easy. Subscribe now and join our community of Mac enthusiasts!