Should you still buy your next smartphone — or subscribe to it instead?
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Apple has launched Apple Upgrade in the U.S., a lease‑to‑own program for iPhone, Mac, iPad and Apple Watch, partnered with Klarna. Samsung runs a similar Galaxy Forever scheme in India that blends financing with a guaranteed buyback. Both initiatives aim to counter longer device‑keeping cycles—average premium‑phone replacement in the U.S. has risen to 42 months and global forecasts predict a four‑year cycle by 2026. Higher prices and slower hardware gains have reduced sales frequency and pressured the refurbished market. Companies argue leasing and buyback can sustain secondary‑market volume while keeping users locked into their ecosystems. Analysts note the models only benefit frequent upgraders; occasional users may still save by buying outright. The programs also generate steady revenue streams for manufacturers.
💡 Why It Matters
- · By turning premium phones into subscription‑style payments, manufacturers can lock customers into their ecosystems and smooth revenue despite slowing upgrade cycles.
