Email from Apple:

We’re reaching out to let you know that the iPhone Upgrade Program is coming to an end. Thank you for being a loyal member. 

Awwww. Sad trombone. I’ve been on this program for as long as I can remember. Every year you just send back your old phone and get the new model, and keep paying a steady monthly cost instead of a big upfront cost. I liked that.

… when it’s time for your next iPhone, we’ll make it easy to get it in a way that works for you, including an entirely new payment option that we think you’ll love.

Just tell me what it is? So I can think about it?

It feels like they are being cagey about it, but I think it’s just this thing they are calling “Apple Upgrade”.

Now there’s a whole new way to always have the Apple products you love. Lease a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch, with low monthly payments and terms that work for you. And when you’re ready for something new, simply upgrade and return your current device.

So basically the same thing. I think it’s just “by Apple” instead of through a partner like the Upgrade Program was.