Post #4205692

2026-07-29 17:06 UTC

Apple just sent my iPhone (and probably half the planet) a pop up message explaining that you can now lease Apple hardware so that you can can always have the latest Apple products. It's an interesting idea, although I can't escape the conclusion that the real impetus behind this is just how expensive their products are becoming because AI is eating the supply chain, etc. e.g. the offer talks about leasing a new iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple Watch with "pocket-friendly payments."

Replies (11)

@Sempf@infosec.exchange 2026-07-29 17:13

@briankrebs@infosec.exchange They have so much cash, they might as well be a bank too, amirite?

Open ##4205919
@AAKL@infosec.exchange 2026-07-29 17:17

@briankrebs@infosec.exchange A new revenue stream and customer lock-in. What's not to like? Maybe those interested should read the related FAQ https://www.apple.com/shop/finance/business-financing. "Financing options are only available to business customers and subject to credit approval and completion of necessary documentation and due diligence. Apple and its financing partners reserve the right to modify or cancel these options at any time without prior notice. Nothing herein constitutes tax, accounting, financial, or legal advice." "AppleCare+ provides coverage for unlimited incidents of accidental damage from handling. Each incident is subject to a service fee (up to $99 for iPhone, $49 for iPad, $299 for Apple Vision Pro and $299 for Mac) plus applicable tax."

Open ##4206094
@MikeImBack@disabled.social 2026-07-29 17:47

@briankrebs@infosec.exchange so you will never *own* your phone again? No right to repair?

Open ##4208082
@schrotthaufen@mastodon.social 2026-07-29 17:35

@briankrebs@infosec.exchange It’s also complete and utter bullshit, because the only logical conclusion to the exploding hardware costs is to support devices even longer, and build software in a way that doesn’t require more compute with every update.

Open ##4208237
@Npars01@mstdn.social 2026-07-29 18:44

@briankrebs@infosec.exchange Inserting middlemen into the supply chain always inflates costs to consumers. Car leasing made the inflation of car prices possible. Car repair insurance has made car maintenance more expensive. Health insurance & "managed" drug supply has made drug prices soar. Consolidation in food distribution services inflate prices for consumers Food delivery made restaurant prices rise Landlord & rent fixing https://therevolvingdoorproject.org/harlan-crow-nmhc/ https://www.businessinsider.com/middlemen-supply-chains-america-economy-prices-amazon-uber-2025-12 https://courthousenews.com/iowa-attorney-general-accuses-18-pharma-middlemen-of-insulin-price-fixing/

Open ##4208238
@target@infosec.exchange 2026-07-29 17:08

@briankrebs@infosec.exchange Didn’t they try something like this a few years ago?

Open ##4213856
@krypt3ia@infosec.exchange 2026-07-29 23:22

@briankrebs@infosec.exchange Same

Open ##4217416
@marty@fedi.marty.tf 2026-07-29 17:07

@briankrebs@infosec.exchange you will own nothing and you will be happy

Open ##4223398
@mattgriffin@masto.ai 2026-07-29 17:11

@briankrebs@infosec.exchange with a partner like Klarna I'm sure this is totally in good faith.

Open ##4223413
@lordsplodge@brettspiel.space 2026-07-30 06:06

@briankrebs@infosec.exchange I mean half the planet is an exaggeration (this appears to be a USA only offer) but the price of devices is the motivation for sure. The new iPhone is going to be a lot more expensive thanks to AI slop data-centres so this is Apple laying the groundwork for ways for folks to keep “buying” their devices.

Open ##4229334
@asymco@mastodon.social 2026-07-29 17:12

@briankrebs@infosec.exchange The iPhone (and most Apple products) is still a dollar a day. Check my posts on the matter.

Open ##4251215