The biggest differences
Apple stopped offering new enrollment in the former iPhone Upgrade Program on July 28, 2026. Existing borrowers continue under their original agreement, so they should not apply new lease rules to an old Citizens One loan.
- Apple Upgrade is a Klarna consumer lease; the former program used a 24-month 0% APR Citizens One loan.
- AppleCare is separate under Apple Upgrade; an AppleCare+ plan was bundled into the former program.
- Klarna owns an Apple Upgrade device during the lease; the old loan ended in customer ownership after payoff.
- Early upgrade under the lease requires satisfying the remaining initial-term payments and returning the device.
What happens to existing members
An existing iPhone Upgrade Program agreement remains a loan governed by its original terms. When eligible for a future device, the customer can review the currently available payment choices, including the new lease, Apple Card installments, carrier financing or buying outright.
How to compare your next move
A familiar monthly number does not mean the economic result is unchanged. Compare ownership and end-of-term obligations first.
- Separate optional AppleCare cost from the new lease payment.
- Calculate the full lease term, not just 12 payments.
- Check the purchase option if you may keep the phone.
- Compare a carrier promotion only after accounting for its full bill-credit term.