Apple plans to start its U.S. iPhone leasing program on that early timeframe through the upgrade plan system. The service partners with a financing partner for recurring billing. It targets buyers amid elevated device costs after Apple bumped Mac prices recently. Users may pick smaller recurring fees instead of buying in one go. Leased iPhones can be blocked from access if users miss obligations. Apple includes associated toggles in upcoming iOS version. Some shoppers are unsure how leasing stacks up against purchase outright. Critics flag that disablement limits flexibility if payments slip. Supporters argue leasing lowers the upfront cost and makes refreshes easier. The plan ties into Apple's hardware cycle as iPhone tags rise device by device. Shoppers ought to compare before jumping in.