Apple Upgrade: Is Leasing Your Next iPhone Worth It?
With the new Apple Upgrade program in the U.S., you can now lease an iPhone, but is it worth it? The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. We'll use the iPhone 17 Pro with 256GB of storage on a one-year lease as an example. In the U.S., the device costs $1,099 upfront, but through Apple Upgrade you can lease it for $45.99/month for 12 months. For a 12-month lease, your payments would total $551.88, which is lower than the $1,099 that you would have spent upfront. However, it is not quite that simple, as you have to choose from one of the three following options after your lease ends: Return your iPhone. Return your iPhone and upgrade to a newer iPhone. Buy the iPhone outright by paying an amount equal to the device's retail price minus any lease payments made. We dive into each of those options below. Options Returning the iPhone If you return the iPhone 17 Pro and simply move on from the Apple Upgrade program, then your total cost to own the device would be $551.88 after 12 months, plus sales tax if applicable. While that is less than paying $1,099 upfront, the catch is that you are no longer in possession of the device after your lease ends and cannot resell it or trade it in. Resale value is a big factor. If you paid $1,099 upfront for the iPhone 17 Pro but resold it for say $650 through a private sale on eBay or Facebook Marketplace after 12 months, then you only spent $450 to own the device for a year, compared to $551 if you leased it through the Apple Upgrade Program for that long. But if you somehow only managed to get $500 for the device in a private sale, then you spent $600 for the device and could have saved a bit of money by opting for the Apple Upgrade program. $551.88 is approximately 50% of the iPhone 17 Pro's price, so Apple is essentially betting that the device will retain more than 50% of its value after one year, in order to ensure that the Apple Upgrade program is profitable. Resale prices for used iPhones can vary significantly, but Apple almost certainly expects to come out ahead. For instance, Apple's trade-in program currently offers $560 for a used iPhone 16 Pro in good condition, and that device was released nearly two years ago. Yet, Apple is effectively "giving you back" only $547.12 on a used iPhone 17 Pro after just one year ($1,099 minus $551.88), so the math unsurprisingly works in Apple's favor. Keep in mind that the Apple Upgrade program is partly about convenience, as you do not have to deal with reselling your iPhone — not everyone likes to deal with eBay or Facebook Marketplace. That alone might sway some customers towards Apple Upgrade, even if they know there is a chance it is not the most financially optimal decision. Upgrading to a New iPhone If you return the iPhone and upgrade to a newer one, the process essentially starts over. For example, if the iPhone 18 Pro with 256GB of storage were to be offered at the same $45.99/month price, you would pay another $551.88 during the following 12 months. That would bring your total cost to $1,103.76 over two years, and you would still need to return the iPhone 18 Pro or make a final payment to keep it. If you had purchased both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro upfront for $1,099 each, the total cost would have been $2,198. If you had managed to resell the devices for $650 each, you would have recouped $1300, lowering your final cost to $898, which would have been less than the $1,103.76 cost of leasing the devices after two years. Of course, the resale values we have provided are purely hypothetical. There is no way of knowing what a used iPhone will be worth with certainty, but Apple has surely put a lot of research into its leasing prices to ensure that it makes a profit. Buying the iPhone If you opt to buy the iPhone outright at the end of your 12-month lease, by paying an amount equal to the device's retail price minus the $551.88 in lease payments made, then you simply owe the remaining $547.12 to Apple's financing partner Klarna. This brings your total cost to $1,099, which is the upfront price of the iPhone 17 Pro. In this case, you ultimately just purchased your iPhone 17 Pro with interest-free financing, by spreading out the $1,099 cost over 12 months. Is It Worth It? If you simply want to spend the least amount of money on iPhones over time, buying them upfront and reselling them privately is very likely the best option. However, the Apple Upgrade program can be worth it for customers who value convenience and predictability. If you want a new iPhone every year or two and want to avoid the hassle of selling your existing iPhone through eBay or Facebook Marketplace, then the program is worth considering if the monthly payments fit into your budget. The option to buy out the iPhone at the end of the lease is more straightforward. Since the final payment is equal to the original retail price minus the payments already made, Apple Upgrade effectively becomes a 12-month, interest-free financing plan. In this case, you would not have spent any more than you would have upfront.Tag: Apple Upgrade ProgramThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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iPhone Driver's Licenses May Soon Expand to Another US State
Driver's licenses and IDs may soon be available in Apple Wallet for iPhone and Apple Watch users living in Oklahoma. MacRumors discovered signs of an Oklahoma ID in Apple's backend. With input from Apple, a House bill was passed in March 2026 that allows Service Oklahoma to issue mobile or digital versions of state identification cards, driver's licenses or permits – suggesting this is Apple taking preparatory steps for future Wallet integration. The digital equivalents are not intended to replace physical licenses or state IDs, meaning Oklahomans will be required to keep the latter, while using the mobile version as a "companion option." Other states planning to add support for driver's licenses in Apple Wallet include Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Utah, and Virginia. MacRumors already spotted signs of Utah and Virginia in Apple's backend. Multiple states have already implemented support, as has Puerto Rico: Arkansas Arizona California Colorado Georgia Hawaii Illinois Iowa Maryland Montana New Mexico North Dakota Ohio West Virginia Digital IDs and licenses are accepted at select TSA checkpoints across the United States. They can also be used at some business venues and in select apps that require ID verification for services or purchases. In states that do not support licenses in the Wallet app, iPhone users can add their U.S. passport to the Apple Wallet app with the iOS 26 Digital ID feature.Tag: Apple WalletThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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WhatsApp Rolls Out Web Calling, Call Transfer Across Devices, and More
WhatsApp has announced a handful of enhancements for group calling over the encrypted platform, including seamless call transfers across devices and a new web calling feature. It's now possible to make and receive audio and video calls, including both one-on-one and group calls, directly from WhatsApp Web. The new browser-based service provides access to common features available on other devices, like screen sharing, reactions, and a dedicated Calls tab with a user's full call history. WhatsApp says the end-to-end encrypted web service will make it easier to jump on a call without leaving your browser, and it should be especially welcomed by anyone who uses a work laptop that doesn't allow app downloads. The latest rollout also brings Call Transfer, allowing users to move an active group call from one device to another without hanging up. Then there's the new Waiting Room, which appears when creating a WhatsApp call link with "Require approval to join" enabled. Participants now enter the waiting room first until the host is ready to let them in. Two last additions round out this update: QuickHD allows users to enjoy high-definition video immediately in the very first few seconds of the call, while Noise Suppression removes background noise so that voices come through more clearly, even in loud or busy environments. WhatsApp says the slate of new features are rolling out gradually and will be "available to everyone soon."Tag: WhatsAppThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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OpenAI's First Devices: Speaker, Smartphone, and More
OpenAI's hardware roadmap has sharpened considerably in recent months, with its first device now identified, a smartphone said to be arriving as soon as next year, and a wider lineup taking shape behind them. AI Smart Speaker OpenAI's first product is a portable, screenless smart speaker developed with former Apple design chief Jony Ive, designed to act as a personal companion in the home rather than a conventional voice assistant. Design The device is said to have a rechargeable battery so it can be carried between rooms, a camera for understanding its surroundings, and mechanical elements that move on their own to give a sense that it is alive. Ive and CEO Sam Altman had previously said they did not want to build a device with a screen, with Altman describing a prototype to employees as "the coolest piece of technology that the world will have ever seen." Features Powered by ChatGPT and using GPT-Live for conversation, the speaker will reportedly control smart home accessories, answer questions, play media, and respond to messages, becoming more personalized and proactive over time. It is also said to have a personality of its own. OpenAI reportedly does not regard the HomePod or HomePod mini as comparable products. Price and Release Date The speaker is expected in early 2027 at a price between $200 and $300, having slipped beyond an initial release target of this year. AI Smartphone Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo first described the device in April as an "AI agent phone" built around a continuous, context-aware interface rather than individual apps, arguing that the smartphone is the only device capturing a user's full real-time state, including location, activity, communication, and context. He believes controlling both the operating system and the hardware is the only way OpenAI can deliver a comprehensive agent service. Specifications The phone is said to use a customized version of MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 processor built on TSMC's N2P node, also used on Apple's upcoming "A20" chips, with MediaTek now looking likely to be the sole chip supplier after Kuo initially named Qualcomm as a possible partner. Luxshare Precision Industry is believed to be the exclusive manufacturing partner, and Sunny Optical has secured component orders for two OpenAI devices, likely for camera modules. Its headline known specification is an image signal processor with an enhanced HDR pipeline intended to improve real-world sensing through the camera, alongside two AI processors for handling vision and language tasks simultaneously. Timeline Mass production was originally targeted for 2028, but Kuo revised that to the first half of 2027, reflecting OpenAI's planned IPO and intensifying competition in the category. He projects combined 2027 and 2028 shipments could reach around 30 million units if development stays on track. Other Devices Smart glasses, a smart lamp, and potentially earbuds are also reportedly in development, though those sit further out on the roadmap and some could be cancelled. The lineup stems from OpenAI's $6.5 billion acquisition of Ive's startup io Products, alongside an aggressive recruitment campaign that has brought more than 400 former Apple employees to the company, among them designers Evans Hankey, Tang Tan, and Scott Cannon, and Vision Products Group leader Paul Meade. Apple responded with retention bonuses of up to $400,000 in restricted stock units for its iPhone Product Design team. Apple's Lawsuit That hiring is now the subject of litigation. Apple sued OpenAI on July 10 over the alleged theft of trade secrets, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman argues the case is already slowing the hardware effort by deterring Apple engineers from interviewing and making suppliers wary. OpenAI says it has "no interest in other companies' trade secrets." What Does It Mean for Apple? Apple is separately rumored to be developing smart glasses, AirPods with cameras, an AI pendant, and a smart home hub with enhanced Siri capabilities, putting the two companies on a collision course across several categories.Tag: OpenAIThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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iOS 27: All the New Phone and FaceTime Features
The Phone and FaceTime apps didn't get as many new features as some of Apple's other apps, but there are a handful of capabilities that add utility and convenience. Phone App The Phone app has one major update, and that's Call Context. When you call a company, the Phone app can surface relevant information from the Mail app. If you call an airline, it might show your confirmation code for an upcoming flight, or your reservation code if you're calling a hotel. It doesn't listen to what you're saying, but instead looks at the number you're calling and links it to details in the Mail app. Call Context is an Apple Intelligence feature that runs entirely on-device, and it requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. It also works when you make a phone call from your iPad or Mac. FaceTime ‌FaceTime‌ has a couple of new features, but the biggest is Dual Capture. On the iPhone 17 models and the iPhone Air, you can use the front and back cameras at the same time while on a ‌FaceTime‌ call. The person you're calling is able to see your face and what's shown through the back camera. You can turn on Dual Capture on a supported iPhone by tapping on the camera flip button. If you only want to show the back camera feed, you can tap to turn off the front camera view. While streaming video with Dual Capture is limited to the ‌iPhone 17‌, iPhone 17 Pro, ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max, ‌iPhone Air‌, and newer, anyone running iOS 27 can see a dual video stream on a ‌FaceTime‌ call because there are no hardware requirements for the receiving device. There are a few other features worth knowing about: Connection Quality - When you have a bad connection, ‌FaceTime‌ calls will now have better quality than before. Wi-Fi/Cellular - In ‌iOS 27‌, iPhones are better at transitioning from a Wi-Fi to a cellular connection and vice versa, so you'll lose connection less often when moving between networks. Live Captions - Live Captions are now available in Traditional Chinese. Communication Safety - Communication Safety blocks gore and violence in ‌FaceTime‌ and Messages instead of just nudity. iOS 27 Launch ‌iOS 27‌ is being beta tested right now, and can be downloaded by developers and public beta testers. It will launch this fall alongside new iPhone models. Read More For more on the new features in ‌iOS 27‌, we have a dedicated iOS 27 roundup.Related Roundups: iOS 27, iPadOS 27Tag: FaceTimeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Upgrade: 20 Things to Know Before Leasing an iPhone, iPad, or Mac
Apple retired the iPhone Upgrade Program in favor of a new Apple Upgrade leasing option made available in partnership with Klarna. Apple Upgrade gives customers an option to get iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches at cheaper prices than before, but there are some things worth knowing about it. We've gathered up some smaller tidbits that you should be aware of before deciding to opt in. U.S. Only - Apple Upgrade is only available in the United States, and there's no word on whether it will expand to other countries. Unlocked iPhones - iPhones leased with Apple Upgrade are unlocked, but you are required to choose a carrier at checkout. Carrier options include AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Since the iPhone is unlocked, you can switch carriers after purchase or add a second eSIM. Postpaid Plans Only - You have to have a postpaid plan through a supported carrier to use Apple Upgrade. Prepaid plans aren't an option when leasing. Ownership - You don't own the iPhone you're leasing at the end of the lease term unless you pay off the final amount. Your final payment is the device's cost when it was leased minus what was paid during the lease. If you don't want to purchase the iPhone, or if you want to upgrade, you need to return the leased iPhone. No Lockout - Code in the iOS 27 beta suggested Apple could restrict apps and services if there are missed payments on a leased device, but it's not for Apple Upgrade. Missing a payment won't change how your iPhone works. Missed Payments - If you miss a payment, it's rolled into your next month's payment. There are no late fees. Three Strikes - If you miss three payments in a row, Klarna automatically terminates your lease and the full balance of the iPhone is due immediately. Klarna will subtract the value of the iPhone from the amount owed when you return it, cutting down on the payoff amount. If you don't return the iPhone or don't pay the balance, Klarna will send the account to collections. No Fees - There are no fees for missing a payment, but you are subject to the lease termination rules. Missing a payment can also impact your credit score. AppleCare+ - Unlike the iPhone Upgrade Program, AppleCare+ is not included with the Apple Upgrade leasing fee, and it needs to be purchased separately. ‌AppleCare‌+ for the iPhone is $9.99 to $13.99 per month, or you can get ‌AppleCare‌ One for $19.99 per month. ‌AppleCare‌ One covers three devices. Damage - Klarna will charge for any damage, and Klarna does the damage assessing, not Apple. You'll need to pay for any damage when returning a device. If you have ‌AppleCare‌+, you'll only pay the ‌AppleCare‌+ service fee. iPhone Upgrade Program - The iPhone Upgrade Program is discontinued. Current members don't have to swap to Apple Upgrade or another purchase option right now, but will need to do so at their next upgrade. Apple Card Monthly Installments - Apple Card holders can still choose to finance an iPhone with zero interest using the ‌Apple Card‌ Monthly Installments option. An iPhone purchased with ‌Apple Card‌ is owned outright. Ineligible Products - Some Apple devices can't be purchased with Apple Upgrade, including the iPhone 16, ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus, Apple Watch SE, MacBook Neo, Mac mini, A16 iPad, and Studio Display. No EDU - You can't use Apple Upgrade for discounted education prices. No Refurbished Devices - You can't buy a refurbished Apple device with Apple Upgrade. Ending a Lease Early - You can end a lease early, but you need to pay off the remaining amount on the lease and then return the device. Buying Out a Lease - You can pay off a lease early with no penalty. Soft Credit Check - There's no hard credit check when initiating a lease, so getting approval for a lease won't affect your credit. Trade-Ins - When you initiate a lease, you can trade in an old iPhone. Trade-in value is split across your monthly payments instead of applied up front. You can't do a trade-in when sending a device back to upgrade to a new one. Payment Restrictions - Klarna doesn't accept credit cards, so purchases need to be made with a debit card, ACH payment, or direct debit. Online banking apps like Cash App also don't work. More Details We have more information on Apple Upgrade in our full article, along with details on pricing.Tag: Apple Upgrade ProgramThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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'Granola' Launches on Apple Watch
Granola, an app that can transcribe Zoom meetings and then create AI-generated notes with key points, is now available on Apple Watch models running watchOS 11 and later. The app was already available on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, and now it has expanded to the Apple Watch for added convenience. You can start transcribing a meeting right from your wrist with one tap.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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AppleCare+ Changes Introduced in Canada
As noted by MobileSyrup, monthly and annual subscription options for AppleCare+ are now available for a wider range of Apple products in Canada, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, AirPods, HomePod, Studio Display, and Vision Pro. In some cases, be aware that you may end up paying more over time compared to upfront AppleCare+ plans, which remain available.Tag: AppleCareThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Shares 'Ted Lasso' Season 4 Trailer
Apple today shared the full-length trailer for season four of its hit series Ted Lasso, ahead of the season premiere on Wednesday, August 5. Following the premiere, one new episode will be released every Wednesday through October 7. Ted Lasso is one of the most popular shows ever released on the Apple TV streaming service. The eponymous character Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, starts off as a small-time football coach from Kansas who is hired to coach a professional soccer team in England, despite having no experience coaching soccer. In the fourth season, Apple said Lasso returns to England to take on his biggest challenge yet: coaching a second division women's soccer team. "Throughout the course of the season, Ted and the team learn to leap before they look, taking chances they never thought they would," said Apple. Fan favorites such as Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, and Jeremy Swift are all set to return in the fourth season. The third season of Ted Lasso was released in 2023, so there has been a long wait for a fourth season. The series has won several major awards since it debuted in 2020, with its overall positive tone making it a popular comfort show.Tags: Apple TV Service, Apple TV ShowsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Announces 'Silo' Season 4 is Coming Summer 2027
Apple recently announced that its hit sci-fi series Silo will be returning for a fourth and final season in "summer 2027." Silo follows the lives of 10,000 people living in an underground bunker to escape the seemingly toxic wasteland outside.Tags: Apple TV Service, Apple TV ShowsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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All-New Apple Home Hub Reportedly Launching as Soon as October
Apple plans to release an all-new smart home hub at some point between October and early next year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple Home Hub (Concept) Siri AI is expected to be a core feature of the hub, which is designed to be placed in rooms throughout your house, such as a kitchen, living room, or bedroom. The report said the device will be available in tabletop and wall-mounted versions, with Apple apparently believing that many customers will buy more than one. The hub will essentially combine a HomePod-like speaker with a 7-inch display. The report said the device runs an entirely new operating system based on the Apple TV's tvOS platform, with the interface described as tvOS blended with watchOS and iOS. There will be a grid of icons, widgets, and apps, along with customizable clock faces. With built-in facial recognition, the hub can identify who is looking at the display and show personalized information, the report said. As a user approaches the hub, or moves away from it, the size of the interface elements will change. Other features mentioned include FaceTime video calls, home security monitoring, HomeKit accessory management, photo galleries, a calendar, music playback, and an intercom system for households with multiple Apple home devices. Apple also continues to work on an advanced in-home security camera that would compete with Amazon's Ring products, according to the report.Tags: Apple Command Center, Apple Home, Mark Gurman, Siri AIThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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5 Reasons to Buy a MacBook Air Now Instead of Waiting
Apple's next MacBook Air is several months away, but if you've been holding off on an upgrade, here's why now could actually be a good time to buy. The Current Air is the Best Value Mid-Tier Mac The M5 MacBook Air starts at $1,299 following Apple's recent $200 price hike, but Amazon is already knocking $100 off, bringing it down to $1,199. The base model's 16GB of RAM means it's no longer hobbled out of the box, and in terms of capability for what you pay, nothing else in the Mac lineup comes close – not even the $699 MacBook Neo, whose A18 Pro chip, capped 8GB of RAM, and lack of Thunderbolt 4 make it a different class of machine entirely. Don't forget: Apple is also offering M5 MacBook Air models in its refurbished store, with up to 15 percent off regular prices. Prices Are More Likely to Rise Than Fall The $200 price hike Apple applied in late June to the MacBook Air was a direct result of the ongoing global memory chip shortage, and there's no sign that the pressure is easing. If component costs stay elevated into next year's M6 refresh, there's a real chance that the next MacBook Air launches at an even higher price than today's model. Grabbing an M5 Air now could therefore be tantamount to getting ahead of the next hike. No Air Refresh is Imminent The next 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models aren't expected until early next year at the soonest, and they're likely to be an M6 chip bump rather than a redesign – so that's at least six months of waiting for a fairly modest spec-sheet upgrade. The bigger change is an OLED display, but that's even further out: Apple is reportedly bringing the Mac lineup's long-rumored OLED transition to the MacBook Pro first (complete with a touchscreen), and the latest rumors suggest an OLED MacBook Air won't arrive until 2028 or 2029. If a touchscreen OLED panel is what you're holding out for, you're really angling for a MacBook Pro, not an Air. The Timing Could Work in Your Favor Apple's back-to-school discounts, now live in the U.S., mean that education discounts and gift card promotions can cut the device's retail pricing. With those discounts in hand, it could work out to be the lowest price MacBook Air you can get before the next refresh (and who knows what price hikes that could bring). It's Already More Mac Than Most People Need Apple Silicon long ago passed the point where the MacBook Air struggles with everyday work. The M5 chip handles photo editing, light-to-medium video work, and heavy browser sessions without breaking a sweat. The chip's architecture is designed with AI computing in mind, and it also runs silent with no fan. Not only that, it will get macOS updates for years. For most buyers, the current Air won't feel slow before they're ready to replace it anyway. Bottom Line Wait if you want OLED or an M6-equipped machine. But otherwise, the M5 MacBook Air you can buy today is better than waiting for a marginally faster one arriving sometime in the first half of 2027. Related Roundup: MacBook AirBuyer's Guide: MacBook Air (Neutral)Related Forum: MacBook AirThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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'Apple Upgrade' Pricing: You Can Lease an iPhone Starting at $18/Month
As expected, the Apple Upgrade program launched today, allowing customers in the U.S. to lease most iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac models. While the program is offered by Apple, the leasing is handled by financing company Klarna. The program essentially allows you to subscribe to an Apple device with monthly payments. At the end of the lease, you can return your device and either upgrade to a new one or move on. If you prefer to keep your device at the end of the lease, you can pay a fee through the Klarna app to own it outright instead of upgrading to something new. Apple Upgrade allows you to lease an iPhone for as little as $17.99 per month, with the complete breakdown of starting prices listed below. iPhone iPhone 17e: From $17.99/month for 24 months iPhone 17: From $22.99/month for 24 months iPhone Air: From $28.99/month for 24 months iPhone 17 Pro: From $31.99/month for 24 months iPhone 17 Pro Max: From $34.99/month for 24 months Apple Watch Apple Watch Series 11: From $11.99/month for 24 months Apple Watch Ultra 3: From $24.99/month for 24 months Apple Watch Hermès Series 11: From $40.78/month for 24 months Apple Watch Hermès Ultra 3: From $47.03/month for 24 months iPad iPad mini: From $11.99/month for 36 months iPad Air: From $15.99/month for 36 months iPad Pro: From $24.99/month for 36 months Mac MacBook Air: From $24.99/month for 36 months iMac: From $28.99/month for 36 months MacBook Pro: From $38.99/month for 36 months Mac Studio: From $48.99/month for 36 months If a device is not listed above, it is not eligible for the Apple Upgrade program at this time. Notable exclusions include the iPhone 16, the Apple Watch SE, the entry-level iPad, the MacBook Neo, and the Mac mini. You can learn more about the Apple Upgrade program on Apple's website and by reading our coverage of Apple's announcement earlier today. Apple Upgrade is currently available in the U.S. only.Tag: Apple Upgrade ProgramThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Best Back to School Accessory Deals on Anker, Sony, Samsung and More This Week
There's a big accessory sale happening on Amazon this week, with the year's best prices on Anker chargers, Samsung monitors, Sonos audio products, and much more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Highlights this time around include a new batch of audio devices on sale, including the Sonos Ace Headphones for $279.00, down from $399.00, and Sony's WH-1000XM5 Noise Canceling Headphones for $248.00, down from $399.00. Another notable audio discount is on the Soundcore Sleep A30 Earbuds, which are designed to be worn in bed, available for $199.99, down from $229.99. $30 OFFSoundcore Sleep A30 Earbuds for $199.99 $120 OFFSonos Ace Headphones for $279.00 $151 OFFSony WH-1000XM5 Noise Canceling Headphones for $248.00 In terms of monitor and TV deals, there are quite a few Samsung deals happening this week on Amazon. The 32-inch Smart Monitor M9 has hit its second-best price on Amazon at $1,249.99, down from $1,599.99, beating the Prime Day deal by about $50. You'll also find solid sales on The Frame TVs and Odyssey monitors right now, including a great deal on The Frame TV 55-inch model for $697.99, a new record low price. $400 OFFSamsung 55-inch The Frame TV for $697.99 $350 OFFSamsung 32-inch Smart Monitor M9 for $1,249.99 We're also tracking big discounts from brands like LG, Hisense, iVANKY, Jackery, and more in the lists below. Accessories on sale include USB-C wall chargers, MagSafe-compatible wireless chargers, portable batteries, headphones, docks, and monitors. Audio Soundcore Sleep A30 Earbuds - $199.99, down from $229.99 Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Canceling Headphones - $248.00, down from $399.00 Sonos Ace Headphones - $279.00, down from $399.00 Monitors and TVs Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G5 Monitor - $169.99, down from $249.99 LG 27-inch UltraGear Monitor - $314.99, down from $499.99 Hisense 65-inch E6 Cinema Series 4K TV - $399.99, down from $478.00 Samsung 27-inch Odyssey OLED G5 - $399.00, down from $499.99 Samsung 55-inch The Frame 4K TV - $697.99, down from $1,097.99 Samsung 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 Monitor - $949.99, down from $1,299.99 Samsung 32-inch M9 Smart Monitor - $1,249.99, down from $1,599.99 Docks Anker Prime 14-Port Docking Station - $179.99, down from $269.99 Anker Prime 14-Port Thunderbolt 5 Dock - $319.99, down from $399.99 iVANKY 23-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 FusionDock Max 2 - $379.99, down from $499.99 Wall Chargers Anker Nano USB-C Wall Charger - $29.99, down from $39.99 UGREEN 100W GaN 4-Port Charger - $33.23, down from $54.99 Anker 140W 4-Port GaN USB-C Charger - $79.99, down from $89.99 Anker 3-Port Prime Charger - $115.99, down from $149.99 Wireless Chargers Anker 3-in-1 MagGo Qi2 Charging Stand - $71.99, down from $89.99 Anker 3-in-1 MagGo UFO Charger - $67.49, down from $89.99 Anker 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Foldable Charging Station - $79.99, down from $109.99 Anker 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Cube - $89.99, down from $129.99 Anker 3-in-1 Prime Wireless Charging Station - $119.99, down from $149.99 Anker Prime MagSafe-Compatible 3-in-1 Charging Station - $159.99, down from $229.99 Portable Chargers Anker SOLIX C300 Power Station with Lantern - $199.99, down from $249.00 Anker Prime Power Bank 26,250 mAh - $179.99, down from $229.99 Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $499.98, down from $599.00 Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station - $469.00, down from $799.00 Anker SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $999.99, down from $1,499.00 If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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New Apple TV and HomePod Mini Reportedly 'Nearly Ready to Launch'
New models of the Apple TV and HomePod mini are "nearly ready to launch," with Apple planning to release them "this fall," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In other words, the devices would likely launch around September or October. The report said both devices will be equipped with faster processors that support Siri AI. Earlier rumors claimed the next Apple TV would be equipped with the A17 Pro chip, which is the oldest chip that supports Apple Intelligence. The device is also expected to feature Apple's N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The next HomePod mini is expected to use an Apple Watch's S9 chip or newer. Other previously-rumored features for the speaker include the N1 chip, improved sound quality, a newer Ultra Wideband chip, and a red color option. The devices will not receive any major design changes, according to Gurman. However, he said the next Apple TV might be accompanied by an updated Siri Remote. The current Apple TV 4K was unveiled in October 2022, while the HomePod mini was introduced in October 2020, so there has been a long wait for new models. Rumors about new Apple TV and HomePod mini models have been circulating for years and years by this point, but the devices were seemingly postponed until Siri AI launches. Siri AI is available in the iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 betas. Those updates are expected to be released to the general public in September, at which point Siri AI will finally be available to the masses. The current Apple TV 4K has an A15 Bionic chip from the iPhone 13 series, while the HomePod mini uses the S5 chip from the Apple Watch Series 5. Both devices received price increases last month. In the U.S., the Apple TV now starts at $199 (up from $129), while the HomePod mini is now $129 (up from $99).Related Roundups: Apple TV, HomePod miniTags: Bloomberg, Mark Gurman, Siri AIBuyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy), HomePod Mini (Don't Buy)Related Forums: Apple TV and Home Theater, HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto TechnologyThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Just Became a $5 Trillion Company
At least briefly, Apple became a $5 trillion company today based on market capitalization, which is the total value of all of the company's outstanding shares. Apple's stock surpassed the $340 mark today in intraday trading, which pushed the company's market cap above $5 trillion for the first time ever. However, the stock price is bouncing up and down. Apple is once again the world's most valuable public company, having surpassed Nvidia.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Retires iPhone Upgrade Program for Klarna-Backed Leases
Apple today launched Apple Upgrade, a new U.S. leasing program for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. Apple partnered with Klarna for Apple Upgrade, and it replaces the current iPhone Upgrade Program and iPhone Payments. Apple Upgrade has lower base prices than the iPhone Upgrade Program, with iPhones available starting at $17.99 per month and the Apple Watch available starting at $11.99 per month. Macs can be leased starting at $24.99 per month, and iPads start at $11.99 per month. AppleCare+ is optional and not included in the lease price, with customers also able to opt for ‌AppleCare‌ One. There are 12-month and 24-month leasing options for the iPhone and Apple Watch, along with 24-month and 36-month leasing options for the Mac and ‌iPad‌. Lease cost varies based on device, and is lower with a device trade-in that's applied on a monthly basis. Apple has some sample pricing, minus taxes and trade-in credits: 256GB iPhone 17 Pro ($1,099) - Typical monthly payment is $31.99 with a 24-month lease or $45.99 with a 12-month lease. 42mm Apple Watch Series 11 ($399) - Typical monthly payment for a 24-month lease term is $11.99 per month, or $21.99 for a 12-month lease term. 256GB iPad Pro ($1,199) - Typical monthly payment is $24.99 for a 36-month lease term, or $31.99 for a 24-month lease term. 16GB 14-inch MacBook Pro ($1,999) - Typical monthly payment is $38.99 for a 36-month lease, and $53.99 for a 24-month lease. When leasing an iPhone, customers are required to choose a plan from AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, and prepaid plans are not eligible. iPhones need to be leased with a carrier plan, but the iPhones are unlocked so customers can switch carriers if desired. MVNOs like Mint Mobile or Visible are not supported. At the end of the leasing period, customers can choose to return the device and exit the program, pay off the remaining amount owed on the device with a one-time payment and keep it, or return it and upgrade to a new device with a new lease. The payoff amount is the difference between what was paid during the leasing period and the retail price of the device, minus any remaining trade-in credits. Klarna is not charging a fee for the leasing program, so an iPhone that's $1,099 can be leased and then purchased for $1,099 with no extra cost beyond taxes. As with trade-ins, Apple will send a pre-labeled and prepaid shipping box for device returns or upgrades. If you don't opt to pay the purchase fee at the end of the leasing program, you will not own the device and must return it. Apple is discontinuing the iPhone Upgrade Program, and iPhones can no longer be purchased with it. Current participants can continue to make payments until their existing iPhones are paid off, but at the next purchase, they will need to switch over to Apple Upgrade or another payment option. Apple Card users can continue to buy devices with the ‌Apple Card‌ Monthly Installments plan or choose Apple Upgrade and get 3% Daily Cash back on lease payments made with ‌Apple Card‌. Apple Upgrade is available for online and in-store purchases. Customers can select their preferred leasing option, and after a soft credit check, get an instant approval from Klarna if eligible. Lease information like billing schedule, total price, and remaining payments can be managed in the Klarna app. Most iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watch models are eligible for Apple Upgrade, but the program can't be used for iPhone 16, ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus, Apple Watch SE, MacBook Neo, Mac mini, ‌iPad‌ (A16), and Studio Display purchases. Apple Upgrade cannot be used with EDU discounts, and leases aren't available for refurbished devices. Apple also excludes purchases made with the Apple Employee Purchase Plan and business, government, veteran, and military purchase programs. Fine Print Lease participants can opt to end a lease early and return a device, but Apple says there may be "substantial fees" for terminating a lease before the end of the term. The fee is the remaining amount of the lease, so terminating a lease three months early means paying the remaining three months. There is no fee for paying off a lease early. Customers must upgrade, end the lease, or purchase the device at the end of the lease term. If that doesn't happen, the lease converts to a month-to-month lease for up to six months. Month-to-month payments will remain the same, but if there was a trade-in credit being applied monthly, it ends when the lease does, so payments could go up. At the end of the month-to-month lease add-on, customers will be charged the purchase fee. Damage to an iPhone, losing an iPhone, or having an iPhone stolen could incur fees. Klarna assesses damage at return and charges accordingly. With ‌AppleCare‌+, the cost is the applicable service fee, but without it, the full cost of the assessed damage has to be paid. If a customer misses a payment, the payment is rolled into the next month's payment, but there are no late fees incurred. If there are three consecutive missed payments, the lease agreement ends and the customer has to pay the full outstanding balance minus the value of the device when returned. If Klarna is unable to collect payment, the case will be handed over to Klarna's debt collection agencies. Apple says Klarna support offers a one-month payment deferral and an early lease termination option with a repayment plan. Leases are restricted to customers who are 18 or older (or legal age in their resident state) with a valid SSN or ITIN. Customers must be U.S. residents, and territories are excluded. An Apple Account in good standing is required, as is a Klarna account and a credit or debit card. Availability Apple devices can be leased with Apple Upgrade in stores or online starting today.Tag: Apple Upgrade ProgramThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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MacBook Ultra OLED Touch Panel to Be Exclusively Supplied by Samsung
Apple will exclusively rely on Samsung Display for the production of OLED touch panels for its redesigned upcoming MacBook Pro models, according to a new report from Korea-based The Elec. Citing industry sources, the publication says that the 14-inch and 16-inch panels will be produced at Samsung's 8.6-generation OLED line at Asan, in Korea's South Chungcheong Province. The estimated initial supply is said to be 250,000 panels, and mass production is expected to begin around August. Apple reportedly didn't consider LG Display or China's BOE Technology Group for panel development due to yield issues, making Samsung the sole supplier. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has repeatedly claimed that 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with an OLED touch screen are pegged to launch in late 2026 to early 2027. However, his most recent update on the matter said that early 2027 is now more likely because of the global chip shortage. An OLED panel with touch-screen support is just one aspect of a major refresh planned for the high-end MacBook Pro models, with other rumored features including M6 Pro and M6 Max chips, a Dynamic Island (i.e., no notch) and a thinner design. The laptops could have "MacBook Ultra" branding, and macOS 27 will include a touch-friendly interface ready for the laptops.Related Roundup: MacBook ProTags: MacBook Ultra, OLED, Samsung, The ElecBuyer's Guide: MacBook Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: MacBook ProThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Everything We Know About MacBook Ultra's All-New Design
Apple's next high-end laptop is expected to bring the most substantial external changes to the MacBook Pro line since 2021. No renders, case leaks, or dimensions have emerged, but a series of reports have established much of what is set to change. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has said there is a good chance the model represents a "true overhaul" for the laptop, thanks to the combination of an OLED display and a thinner design, and Apple is reportedly working toward the thinnest and lightest products in their categories across the tech industry. The design is also expected to extend beyond this machine, with the entry-level 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ due in 2027 said to resemble it. Every 14-inch and 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ released since 2021 measures 0.61 inches (15.5mm) thick, a figure that has remained unchanged across four chip generations. The next model is expected to be noticeably thinner and lighter, though no credible figure has been reported. Replacing the mini-LED backlight with a hybrid OLED panel removes a physical layer from the lid, so the reduction may be most pronounced in the upper half of the machine. The notch is expected to be replaced by a hole-punch camera, a change first indicated by a roadmap from research firm Omdia and subsequently corroborated by Bloomberg. The cutout is said to be pill-shaped to accommodate an interactive Dynamic Island. The notch has been the most distinctive feature of the ‌MacBook Pro‌'s display since 2021, and removing it would leave the menu bar as a continuous strip interrupted by a small island rather than divided in two. Apple appears to be preparing for the change in software, since the "Search or Ask" interface built into Spotlight in macOS 27 adopts a dark, pill-shaped design suited to a cutout of that shape. The bezels surrounding the display may also shrink. Omdia claims Samsung Display will supply 14.3-inch and 16.3-inch panels, fractionally larger than the 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch displays currently in use, which within a largely unchanged chassis would result in narrower borders. Apple is also said to be fitting a reinforced hinge so that the display does not wobble when tapped. Whether the lid will also tilt further back than the current model, which stops relatively early for structural reasons, is yet to be seen. Several elements are expected to carry over. Bloomberg reported in February that the machine would look a lot like the current MacBook Pro, specifying that the keyboard and trackpad would be retained and that the device would remain a conventional clamshell in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, rather than a detachable or convertible design. HDMI, MagSafe, and the SD card slot were reinstated in the 2021 redesign after an unpopular absence, and no report has suggested they will be removed again. Gurman expects the laptop to arrive between late 2026 and early 2027, with the later window now considered more likely owing to the global memory chip shortage.Tag: MacBook UltraThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple's 2026 and 2027 Mac Roadmap: Every Model and When It Ships
A shortage of memory chips has impacted the entire computer market, affecting Macs and PCs alike. Apple and other companies have raised prices, but Apple is better positioned than its competitors. Machines like the Mac mini and the Mac Studio are in demand for on-device AI agent use, and Apple plans to take advantage by refreshing its Mac lineup across 2026 and 2027. Apple already launched the MacBook Neo and refreshed the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models with M5-series chips, but there are more updates coming before the end of the year. Fall 2026 Launches 14-inch MacBook Pro - The entry-level 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ is expected to get an M6 chip, and it'll be one of the first machines with Apple's 2-nanometer chip technology. iMac - The 24-inch iMac will get an update, and it'll also probably get the new M6 chip. No design or display changes are expected, so it'll continue to look like the current model from 2024. Late 2026 to Early 2027 OLED MacBook Pro - A ‌MacBook Pro‌ (or MacBook Ultra) with an OLED touchscreen display could launch in late 2026, but Apple might also hold it until early 2027. The higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook models will use M5 Pro and M5 Max chips because Apple isn't going to release M6 Pro and M6 Max chips. The ‌OLED‌ ‌MacBook Pro‌ will have an updated design. Mac Studio - Apple is working on a refreshed version of the ‌Mac Studio‌ with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, but launch timing is unclear because of RAM shortages and costs. Mac mini - There are M5 Pro and M6 ‌Mac mini‌ models in development, but as with the ‌Mac Studio‌, launch timing is not known. We could get these two machines as soon as 2026, in early 2027, or they might even be held until later in 2027. 2027 Mac Plans MacBook Air - Refreshed 13-inch and 15-inch ‌MacBook Air‌ models are planned for early 2027. The new machines are likely to get the M6 chip Apple is working on. 14-inch MacBook Pro - An updated entry-level 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ with an M7 chip could come in as soon as early 2027. It will not have an ‌OLED‌ display like Apple's higher-end ‌MacBook Pro‌ machines coming in late 2026 or early 2027, but it is expected to get the same design overhaul. MacBook Neo - There's a new version of the low-cost ‌MacBook Neo‌ coming, but we don't know exactly when. It's expected to use a faster A19 Pro chip and it will come with more memory. New colors are also a possibility. Late 2027 to Early 2028 Second OLED MacBook Pro - A second-generation ‌OLED‌ ‌MacBook Pro‌ will come approximately a year after Apple releases the first version. The late 2027 to early 2028 ‌MacBook Pro‌ models will get Apple's M7 Pro and M7 Max chips, which are built for artificial intelligence workloads. 2028 OLED MacBook Air - Apple plans to bring ‌OLED‌ displays to the ‌MacBook Air‌, but 2028 is the earliest we'll see an ‌OLED‌ ‌MacBook Air‌, and launch timing could even be pushed back. OLED iMac - Apple is also working on an ‌OLED‌ ‌iMac‌, but it's not known when exactly it will come out. It could be released sometime around the ‌OLED‌ ‌MacBook Air‌. Chip Mixing According to Bloomberg, Apple is moving up development of its M7 chips that are built for AI workloads, skipping some M6 chips. Apple won't come out with an M6 Pro or M6 Max chip, which is why the first ‌OLED‌ ‌MacBook Pro‌ models will use M5 Pro and M5 Max chips instead of newer technology. Apple's rough chip release schedule: M5 Ultra - Late 2026 M6 - Late 2026 M7 - First half of 2027 M7 Pro - End of 2027 M7 Max - End of 2027 M7 Ultra - 2028 Memory Prices Global memory shortages caused Apple to make major changes to its Mac and iPad pricing in June, and prior to that, Apple discontinued some ‌Mac mini‌ and ‌Mac Studio‌ models that included higher RAM upgrade options. Limited memory availability could affect Apple's Mac launch plans, so timing could shift. Buying Advice If you're planning to pick up a ‌MacBook Pro‌ or an ‌iMac‌, it's probably worth waiting because of the refreshes coming as soon as late 2026. The ‌iMac‌ is two years old and got a price hike recently, so it's an especially bad deal. ‌OLED‌ touchscreen ‌MacBook Pro‌ models are likely to be even more expensive than the current models, so if you don't want to pay more for the new screen technology, it's an okay time to buy. It's probably best to hold off on an entry-level ‌MacBook Pro‌ until it's updated with the faster M6 chip. ‌Mac mini‌ and ‌Mac Studio‌ models have extended shipping times already, and if you don't need something imminently, it's probably better to wait for new chips. Other Macs aren't getting refreshed until 2027, so now is a good time to buy the ‌MacBook Neo‌ and the ‌MacBook Air‌. For more on Apple's product plans, we have an upcoming products guide that is regularly updated.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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