RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 4 sourcesGo to the 9to5Mac home page Switch site 9to5Toys 9to5Google Logo 9to5Google Electrek Drone DJ Logo DroneDJ Space Explored About Privacy Toggle social menu Toggle dark mode Search for: Submit Toggle search form Forums Store Podcasts Apple@Work Happy Hour 9to5Mac Daily Overtime iPhone iPhone Mac Mac MacBook Pro MacBook Air iMac Mac mini Mac Studio Mac Pro iPad iPad Pro iPad Air iPad mini iPad iPadOS Watch Apple Watch Apple Watch Ultra Apple Health Apple Watch SE Vision Vision Pro visionOS Music and TV Apple Music AirPods HomePod Apple TV Guides Reviews How Tos AAPL Apple Store Apple Arcade Apple Card Apple Silicon Apple One Apple Fitness+ CarPlay Siri HomeKit Toggle dark mode iPhone 9to5Mac Polls How do you plan on buying your next iPhone? [Poll] Chance Miller | Jul 31 2026 - 7:31 am PT 0 Comments Apple made a big change to iPhone purchasing options this week. Not only did it launch the Apple Upgrade leasing program, but it also killed the iPhone Upgrade Program.
With the iPhone 18 lineup just over a month away, I’m curious: how do you plan to buy your next iPhone?
Personally, I’ve been a member of the iPhone Upgrade Program for years. This means I have a decision to make when it comes time to pre-order my new iPhone this fall.
Apple says members of the iPhone Upgrade Program will be able to easily switch to one of Apple’s other purchasing options when it comes time to upgrade. My tentative plan is to just switch to the Apple Upgrade program with a 12-month lease. As someone who upgrades every year, this makes the most sense to me from a financial and ease-of-use perspective.
Apple Card is another payment choice for iPhone users that is super popular. It’s a tempting option, but I’d rather not have to deal with selling or trading in my phone every year.
Through Apple’s website , you can also shop installment plans from carriers including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile in the United States. I have no desire to tie myself to any of these carrier financing options and all the fine print that comes with them.
Finally, you can obviously pay all at once for your next iPhone. This is a great choice whether you’re literally paying cash, using a credit card, points, or something else. Again, as someone who upgrades every year, I don’t want to have $1,000+ locked up in a phone for a year.
What about you? Whether you’re buying iPhone 18 this fall or waiting another couple of years, how are you currently planning to buy your next iPhone? Are you tempted by the new Apple Upgrade program? Do you prefer to pay cash? Let us know in the poll below and explain your choice down in the comments.
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Chance is the editor-in-chief of 9to5Mac, overseeing the entire site's operations. He also hosts the 9to5Mac Daily and 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcasts.
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