Should you still buy your next smartphone — or subscribe to it instead?
The smartphone industry’s next battleground may not be the phone itself, but how consumers get it. As premium devices become more expensive, Apple, Samsung, and others are betting that leasing, subscriptions, and guaranteed buyback programs can make upgrading more attractive.
This week, Apple launched Apple Upgrade in the U.S. in partnership with Klarna, allowing consumers to lease an iPhone, Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch for a monthly fee with the option to upgrade, return, or eventually purchase the device. Samsung, meanwhile, has been offering its Galaxy Forever program in India, combining financing with a guaranteed buyback to let consumers upgrade flagship Galaxy smartphones more predictably.
On its earnings call on Thursday, Apple CEO Tim Cook saidthe Upgrade program is intended to make it easier for customers — particularly those who prefer upgrading on a regular schedule — to access the company’s latest products through a leasing plan. He also...
Copyright of this story solely belongs to techcrunch.com. To see the full text click HERE
