Apple plans to start its U.S. iPhone leasing program on a set rollout date through the upgrade program channel. The service partners with the lender for spread-out costs. It targets buyers amid elevated device costs after Apple hiked Mac price tags in past months. Users may pick smaller recurring fees instead of buying all at once. Leased iPhones can be blocked from access if defaults occur. Apple includes supporting tools in new iOS software. Some shoppers wonder how leasing compares to buying outright. Critics note that remote disablement locks users out if plans fall behind. Supporters note leasing softens first bill and makes refreshes easier. The plan fits Apple's release pattern as iPhone MSRPs inch higher device by device. Savvy buyers will check terms before committing.