AppleCare is a separate Apple charge
The lease and AppleCare are separate products. Apple says eligible customers can add AppleCare after joining, generally within the normal purchase window, or use AppleCare One where available. Enter the actual recurring or fixed-term coverage cost in the calculator.
Damage can change the return total
A device that does not meet the required working condition may receive a one-time damage charge after assessment. Even with AppleCare, an applicable service fee can remain. Apple has not published one universal damage-fee table for the new lease.
- Do not copy damage figures from the discontinued iPhone Upgrade Program.
- Do not assume AppleCare makes every return charge zero.
- Use only the amount from an actual assessment or the current official coverage terms.
Loss or theft is different from a return
A lease obligation does not automatically disappear when a device is lost or stolen. Review the protection plan, file required claims promptly and contact Klarna about the continuing lease obligation. Never present an insurance estimate as a lease payoff.
Make an apples-to-apples comparison
When comparing lease and purchase, apply the same desired coverage to both paths. Leaving AppleCare out of one side can make the cheaper option look artificially favorable.