The iPhone lease is too good to be true
When I first heard about the new Apple Upgrade program, which lets you lease devices like iPhones and MacBooks for a monthly fee, I was offended. It amounts to paying a tithe to one of the world’s richest companies just to borrow devices for a couple years, rather than buying them outright.
Reported by 1 outlet — Vox. See all sources ↓
Apple introduced a program called Apple Upgrade that lets customers lease iPhones and MacBooks for a monthly fee. Users can keep the device for a couple of years, then either buy it (which may be outdated) or upgrade to a newer model and continue paying. The program means you might never own the device outright if you keep upgrading. Some people question whether leasing is a good deal compared to buying outright.
Why it matters
It affects how much money people spend on phones over time and whether they ever own their device. Understanding the cost and ownership trade‑off helps consumers decide if leasing fits their budget and needs.
- What is the Apple Upgrade program?
- It is a lease plan that lets you pay a monthly fee to use an iPhone or MacBook and optionally upgrade later.
- Can you eventually own the phone if you lease it?
- You can choose to buy the leased device after the lease period, but it may be outdated by then.
- Why might someone prefer leasing over buying?
- Leasing spreads the cost over time and lets you get a newer model more often without a large upfront payment.
How outlets are framing the same story
Here's how each outlet is covering the story — compare their headlines and timing at a glance.
All outlets present the story similarly, focusing on the pros and cons of Apple’s lease program.
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The iPhone lease is too good to be true
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