Why you could lease your next iPhone or Apple device instead of buying it
By Valerian Khakayi, July 29, 2026For many Kenyans, owning the latest iPhone or MacBook comes at a steep cost. As Apple devices become more expensive, paying the full price upfront is not always realistic.
That is why leasing is emerging as an option worth considering.
Leasing allows you to use an Apple device by paying a fixed monthly fee instead of buying it outright.
Rather than making a large upfront payment, you spread the cost over an agreed period. When the lease ends, you can typically upgrade to a newer device, buy the one you have been using or return it.
Apple has embraced this model through Apple Upgrade, a new leasing programme launched in partnership with Klarna.
The programme allows eligible customers in the United States to lease products such as the iPhone, Mac, iPad and Apple Watch through the Apple Store online, the Apple Store app and physical Apple Stores. Lease periods vary depending on the product, while Apple Card users can also earn three per cent daily cash back.
Apple says the programme is designed to make it easier for customers to get the Apple products they want by offering leasing plans that suit different needs.
“Apple Upgrade offers 12- and 24-month leasing options for iPhone and Apple Watch and 24- and 36-month leasing options for Mac and iPad. Leasing prices start as low as $17.99 (about Ksh 2,340) per month for an iPhone, $11.99 (about Ksh 1,560) for an Apple Watch, $24.99 (about Ksh 3,230) for a Mac, and $11.99 (about Ksh 1,550) for an iPad,” Apple stated.
“When customers first enrol in Apple Upgrade, they can further lower their monthly lease payments by trading in their currently owned device through Apple Trade In. Customers can also earn 3 per cent daily cashback when making their lease payments with Apple Card.”
Why leasing could be worth considering
Leasing can help you avoid a large upfront payment by spreading the cost of a premium Apple device into manageable monthly instalments instead of paying the full purchase price at once.
This can make products such as the iPhone, Mac, iPad and Apple Watch more affordable for consumers.
It also makes upgrading easier. If you like having the latest iPhone or Mac, leasing allows you to switch to a newer model at the end of your lease without the hassle of selling your old device.
Another advantage is that it can help you manage your budget. Fixed monthly payments are often easier to plan for than saving a substantial amount of money for a one-time purchase, particularly if you rely on your device for work, school or business.
Leasing also offers greater flexibility. Depending on the terms of your agreement, you may choose to upgrade to a newer device, purchase the one you have been using or simply return it when the lease period ends.
Could leasing come to Kenya?
Apple has not announced plans to roll out its new leasing programme outside the United States. However, financing and instalment payment options for smartphones are already becoming more common in Kenya through mobile operators, retailers and financial institutions.
If global demand for leasing grows and the programme proves successful, similar models could eventually become available in more markets, giving consumers another way to access premium devices without paying the full cost upfront.
While buying a device outright will still suit many people, leasing could become an attractive option for consumers who prefer lower upfront costs, regular upgrades and greater financial flexibility.