• Apple introduces device leasing via Klarna, starting with iPhone 17 Pro and 14-inch MacBook Pro.
  • Monthly payments as low as $31.99 for iPhone 17 Pro over 24 months.
  • Program aims to boost affordability amid rising device prices.

New Lease Options Hit Apple's Lineup

Apple is expanding its financing offerings with a new lease program, according to people familiar with the matter. The company has partnered with Klarna to offer monthly leasing options for select devices, including the iPhone 17 Pro 256GB and the 14-inch MacBook Pro 16GB. The iPhone 17 Pro lease starts at $31.99 per month for 24 months or $45.99 per month for 12 months, while the MacBook Pro is available for $38.99 per month over 36 months or $53.99 per month for 24 months.

Strategic Shift Amid Price Pressures

The move comes as Apple faces higher component costs, particularly for memory and storage, driving up device prices. The lease program allows customers to avoid large upfront payments and switch devices more frequently, aligning with broader consumer trends toward buy-now-pay-later models. “This is about making premium hardware accessible without the sticker shock,” said one analyst close to the company. Apple declined to comment on the program’s specifics.

Implications for Consumers and Apple

For consumers, the total cost of ownership over a lease term may exceed outright purchase, but the lower monthly payments could attract budget-conscious buyers. Apple benefits from recurring revenue and potentially faster upgrade cycles, boosting future sales. However, regulatory scrutiny of lease and BNPL programs is growing, with focus on transparent pricing and credit implications. Without clear disclosures, some consumer advocates worry about long-term costs.

Industry Context

Other tech firms are also exploring similar financing strategies as device prices climb. Apple’s partnership with Klarna, a fintech leader, could set a benchmark for lease-to-own models in the industry. The rollout is currently U.S.-focused, with broader device coverage expected. Analysts will watch how this affects Apple’s gross margins and service revenue.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the lease term for the MacBook Pro. The correct 36-month lease is $38.99/month.