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 monthly payments. It targets buyers amid bigger upfront fees after Apple hiked Mac MSRPs in recent weeks. Users may pick installment plans instead of buying all at once. Leased iPhones can be locked out if defaults occur. Apple includes associated toggles in upcoming iOS version. Some shoppers wonder how leasing measures up to retail outright. Critics note that remote locks can trap users if circumstances change. Supporters argue leasing lowers the upfront cost and streamlines device cycling. The plan hooks into Apple's update schedule as iPhone prices climb device by device. Consumers are told to think things through before jumping in.