Apple plans to start its U.S. iPhone leasing program on an upcoming launch date through the official Apple program. The service partners with the lender for bill scheduling. It targets buyers amid increased spending levels after Apple hiked Mac prices not long ago. Users may pick spread payments instead of buying in one go. Leased iPhones can be shut down offsite if terms are broken. Apple includes supporting tools in iOS code. Some shoppers ask how leasing measures up to retail outright. Critics note that lockouts cut off phone use if life events hit. Supporters say leasing lowers the upfront cost and makes refreshes easier. The plan hooks into Apple's update schedule as iPhone prices climb device by device. Savvy buyers will check terms before committing.