Should you still buy your next smartphone — or subscribe to it instead?

Apple launched a U.S. device leasing program with Klarna, while Samsung is expanding financing and guaranteed buyback options for Galaxy phones in India. The shift comes as premium smartphone prices rise and consumers keep devices longer, with replacement cycles expected to reach four years globally in 2026.

Smartphone makers are trying to turn slower upgrade cycles into recurring revenue by making ownership more flexible and predictable. These models depend on strong resale markets, suggesting refurbished devices and trade-in logistics will become increasingly central to the premium phone business.