Apple has officially launched the Apple Upgrade Program to replace the iPhone Upgrade Program, but this time it is not limited to iPhones only, but also includes Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch devices.
The program allows users to rent Apple devices for monthly installments, with the possibility of upgrading to a newer device before the end of the contract period, purchasing the device at the end of the rental period, or returning it to the company without owning it, according to a report published by the “appleinsider” website and viewed by “Arabic Business.”
Subscription duration
The contract duration varies depending on the type of device:
– iPhone and Apple Watches: 12 or 24 months.
– iPad and Mac: 24 or 36 months.
The value of the monthly installment varies depending on the device, storage capacity, and contract term, in addition to any value resulting from replacing an old device (Trade-In).
Below are the basic prices without taking into account any discounts or exchanges:
iPhone prices
– iPhone 17e over 12 months: $24.99.
– iPhone 17e over 24 months: $17.99.
– iPhone 17 over 12 months: $32.99.
– iPhone 17 over 24 months: $22.99.
– iPhone Air over 12 months: $41.99.
– iPhone Air over 24 months: $28.99.
– iPhone 17 Pro over 12 months: $45.99.
– iPhone 17 Pro over 24 months: $31.99.
– iPhone 17 Pro Max over 12 months: $49.99.
– iPhone 17 Pro Max over 24 months: $34.99.
iPad prices
– iPad mini for 12 months: $15.99.
– iPad mini for 24 months: $11.99.
– iPad Air 11-inch for 12 months: $19.99.
– iPad Air 11-inch over 24 months: $15.99.
– iPad Pro 11-inch for 12 months: $31.99.
– iPad Pro 11-inch over 24 months: $24.99.
Mac prices
– MacBook Air 13 M5 over 24 months: $34.99.
– MacBook Air 13 M5 over 36 months: $24.99.
– MacBook Pro 14 M5 for 24 months: $53.99.
– MacBook Pro 14 M5 over 36 months: $38.99.
– iMac M4 for 24 months: $40.99.
– iMac M4 for 36 months: $28.99.
– Mac Studio M4 Max for 24 months: $67.99.
– Mac Studio M4 Max for 36 months: $48.99.
Apple Watch prices
– Apple Watch Series 11 over 12 months: $21.99.
– Apple Watch Series 11 over 24 months: $11.99.
– Apple Watch Ultra 3 over 12 months: $44.99.
– Apple Watch Ultra 3 over 24 months: $24.99.
– Apple Watch Series 11 Hermès over 12 months: $76.04.
– Apple Watch Series 11 Hermès over 24 months: $40.78.
– Apple Watch Ultra 3 Hermès over 12 months: $87.28.
– Apple Watch Ultra 3 Hermès over 24 months: $47.03.
What happens after the contract ends?
When the subscription period expires, Apple gives the user three options:
– Return the device and terminate the contract without any additional obligations.
– Return the device and upgrade to a newer version, starting a new contract.
– Pay the remaining amount to permanently own the device.
For example, if a user leases an iPhone 17e for 24 months for $17.99 per month, over the life of the contract they will pay $431.76 of the full price of $599, and will have $167.24 left over if they want to keep the phone.
What if you don’t return the device?
Apple warns that keeping the device after the end of the contract without returning it or paying the remaining amount may result in additional monthly fees, which may be higher than the value of the original installment.
Also, if six months pass after the end of the contract without taking any action, the company may automatically collect the remaining amount to purchase the device.
Is the program cheaper than purchasing?
Although the monthly payments seem low compared to the price of the full device, Apple Upgrade is not a traditional installment program, but rather a leasing system.
During the contract period, the user does not actually own the device, but rather pays for its use, while the purchase option remains available only after paying the remaining value.
Therefore, the program is suitable for people who prefer to constantly upgrade their devices, while direct purchase or traditional installments may be more feasible for those who plan to keep their device for many years.
