Apple plans to start its U.S. iPhone leasing program on that early timeframe through the Apple Upgrade Program. The service partners with the payment partner for installment plans. It targets buyers amid steeper price tags after Apple bumped Mac prices earlier before. Users may pick smaller recurring fees instead of buying all at once. Leased iPhones can be disabled remotely if terms get violated. Apple includes related features in upcoming iOS version. Some shoppers are curious how leasing differs from ownership outright. Critics raise that remote blocks leave buyers stranded if something goes wrong. Supporters insist leasing lowers the upfront cost and keeps upgrades simpler. The plan ties into Apple's hardware cycle as iPhone prices climb device by device. Consumers are told to think things through before jumping in.