Framework apparently hates Apple Upgrade, Apple's new hardware leasing service
Apple has officially launched the “Apple Upgrade” leasing program for iPhone, Macs, Apple Watch, and iPad. As you can probably tell, the service has ruffled a lot of feathers, as it has clear downsides.
Framework is one of the entities that doesn’t like Apple Upgrade and has made no effort to hide this dislike. Framework calls Apple Upgrade a new way “for you to not own your computer anymore.” While Framework’s description of Apple’s leasing service can be debated, it can’t be debated that Framework’s stance is in line with the company’s vision for its hardware.
Framework’s entire brand rests on the idea that you own the hardware that you buy and can do anything with it. Framework’s computers, like the MacBook Pro-rival Framework Laptop 13 Pro, can be modded and upgraded in ways that no other laptop can be. This is in stark contrast to Apple, which carefully curates the hardware experience and doesn’t want users tinkering with their devices.
For instance, devices like the MacBook Air are practically non-upgradable. This means that, if you want more RAM, more storage, more performance, or any other hardware upgrade, you have no choice but to get a new MacBook. This is perfect for a service like Apple Upgrade and is in direct opposition to what Framework promises.
Other companies could follow Apple's lead
Another issue with Apple Upgrade is that it can inspire other companies to do the same. We have seen it time and again that, once Apple normalizes something, companies take advantage of this and follow. We saw this with Apple removing the 3.5 mm headphone jack and the elimination of charging bricks that used to come inside phone boxes.
The same can happen with Apple Upgrade. Microsoft and Sony can use Apple Upgrade as a blueprint to offer the next-gen Sony PS6 and Xbox Helix on a lease. The consoles are expected to be more expensive than the PS5 and the Xbox Series machines. So, a leasing program can allow Xbox and PlayStation to move a lot of units initially due to low monthly pricing.
All we have to do now is wait and see if Apple Upgrade is successful and what other companies follow Apple’s lead.
Source(s)
Framework on X, Teaser image source: Nandeperin on Unsplash
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