Apple Upgrade doesn’t sound new. That’s because Apple already had their iPhone Upgrade Plan. It is very close to what the new Apple Upgrade plan is. See the iPhone Upgrade Plan was used to pay monthly installments for a new iPhone through Apple. Essentially cut out the extra fees you have to pay your mobile carrier for the same thing. However, with Apple Upgrade, it doesn’t only include iPhones. It covers iPads, Macs, or Apple Watches as well. Apple is taking advantage of the “you own nothing” concept.

Now, the plan is essentially what you would pay for your device had you got it from your mobile carrier. When you trade-in, or “purchase”, a device from T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon, you pay the phone off in small monthly installments. That is on top of the normal phone plan that you signed up for. That’s over the next two years. The thing is that after the two years are up, you can trade it in for a new phone or keep the device.

Apple Upgrade

Apple Upgrade is a partnership with the financial company Klarna. Which is known for its buy-now, pay-later services. If you sign up, you can pay a monthly fee to get a brand-new device. After a year or 24 months, you can keep paying the monthly fee but swap the hardware for something new. If you want something sooner, there’s a fee to swap devices before the 12-month mark.

With the AI inflation on tech, it is more difficult to purchase a new device. Recently, Apple increased their prices on their technology across the board. Some increases were wild just by design.

Apple Upgrade adds to the You Own Nothing mantra

For you old heads, does this sound any different than getting a device from your local Verizon store? No. But the kicker is that Apple is using to include anything anyone’s ever wanted to purchase from Apple. Not just an iPhone. Monthly plans start at $18 for iPhones, $12 for Apple Watches, $25 for Macs, and $12 for iPads. iPhones come unlocked, meaning your device isn’t tethered to a carrier. It will work internationally with no issues. The program also offers device trade-in, which can lower the monthly amount you pay for the lease. Apple will also offer 3 percent daily cash back if you pay the lease with an Apple Card.

Like anything, it is designed to keep lower income people locked in. Plus, it is the pinnacle of Apple’s desire to become a huge subscription model. It may not sound like much when you think about it. $18 for an iPhone, then add $25 for a Mac. $53 per month for both. That sounds like a steal.

What about when you get sick and can’t work for a bit? Maybe you lose your job. Or, they cut your hours. Suddenly $53 could be the difference of having those devices or having food to last until pay day. One of the conditions is that the device need to be returned in its original state. With the current state of the economy, it’s hard to determine what things might be like in six months. Much less a year from now.

Own vs Rent

You’re probably thinking, “douchecanoe, if I could pay it in full I would.” I’m not saying save up for a $2000 iPhone. This isn’t the 2010s anymore. There is nothing in the iPhone 17 that you won’t get in the iPhone 16. The old desire of getting the next latest and greatest is gone. Hell, I still am using my old iPhone 13 Max.

I’d consider getting refurbished devices. Especially if your income fluctuates.  Back Market, Swappa, and Reebelo are possibilities. I purchased an iPhone SE, a Google Pixel 4XL, and Google earbuds for the Pixel from Back Market. All of them worked fine. I know you can find videos on not to trust them. But, have you looked at Apple’s own refurbished site? Those prices are lower than the MSRP but not by much.

As consumers, we can agree to not take part in this manipulation of prices. The AI bubble will burst. Many of these companies will survive. That is simply because our government always helps out the corporations, but will make fun of working-class people.

All these devices are not worth their overinflated pricing. Because tech billionaires are focused on making money from their AI scheme, the rest of us have to pay for it. Not even with these ridiculous prices, but through electric and water bills for these AI data centers. Get refurbished devices, if you truly need it. Devices don’t go stale after two years. Unless your Google. iPhones have better longevity, especially with their operating systems. My iPhone 13 is five years old, and works just fine. My next phone will, also, be refurbished.