Apple Scraps Plans for iPhone Hardware Subscription Service

Apple Scraps Plans for iPhone Hardware Subscription Service

Apple has reportedly abandoned its plans to launch a hardware subscription service for iPhones, according to a report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. This service would have allowed users to pay a monthly fee and receive a new iPhone every year, similar to a phone leasing program. Initial Announcement and Delays (2022) Gurman first reported on Apple's development of the hardware subscription service in 2022. The service was expected to launch that year but faced delays due to: Software Issues: Unforeseen bugs and technical challenges in the subscription management system likely hindered the project's progress. Regulatory Concerns: Potential complications surrounding financial regulations and consumer protection laws for subscription-based phone ownership might have caused delays for Apple to ensure compliance. Project Shutdown and Current Alternatives (December 2024) The cancellation of the hardware subscription service follows Apple's recent decision to shut down its "Appl…