时间：2025-09-16 10:12:14 来源：网络整理编辑：知識
Why would anyone want to purchase a smartphone outright when they could instead just rent it indefin
Why would anyone want to purchase a smartphone outright when they could instead just rent it indefinitely?
That seems to be the thinking of Apple, which is reportedly working on a hardware subscription service that would allow customers to pay recurring fees in exchange for access to the latest iPhone. So notes Bloomberg in a report that, while admittedly light on specifics, suggests Apple is eyeing a future in which owning an iPhone isn't a prerequisite to getting locked into the Apple apps and services ecosystem.
We reached out to Apple in an attempt to confirm Bloomberg's reporting, as well as with a host of questions about the company's timeline and plans. A company spokesperson declined to comment.
If confirmed, Apple wouldn't be the first tech company to push toward a subscription model. Way back in 2013, Adobe, the maker of the widely popular photo-editing software Photoshop, ceased selling its software outright and began requiring customers to pay a monthly access fee.
Now, it's important to note that nowhere in Bloomberg's reporting does it claim Apple would stop selling phones. Even so, reactions were swift.
"So bringing back iPhone upgrade program? I tried that once and I *hated* paying monthly for my phone and vowed to never do it again," wrote Karissa Bell, a senior editor at Engadget.
Tweet may have been deleted
Others merely bemoaned the general trend away from actual device ownership, which brings with it all sorts of implied right-to-repair issues.
Tweet may have been deleted
Tweet may have been deleted
Tweet may have been deleted
Apple's exact hardware subscription plans remain a mystery at this point. But perhaps in the face of a viscerally negative customer response, Apple will show some courage and go ahead with it anyway.
TopicsAppleiPhone
MashReads Podcast: What makes a good summer read?2025-09-16 10:08
Xiaomi shows off a new, super2025-09-16 09:47
Woman smuggles cat in her carry2025-09-16 09:18
Twitter's head of China leaves after just 8 months2025-09-16 09:12
Mall builds real2025-09-16 09:08
Torrential rain turns Australia's desert heart into a series of waterfalls2025-09-16 07:55
Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill break up and now the queen has more time to conquer2025-09-16 07:49
'Game of Thrones' is the most pirated show for the fifth year in a row2025-09-16 07:44
Man stumbles upon his phone background in real life2025-09-16 07:40
Google's Pixel phones might have a serious audio problem2025-09-16 07:33
PlayStation Now game streaming is coming to PC2025-09-16 10:04
How college football's biggest stars are changing the game by sitting out2025-09-16 09:47
Irish pub has genius solution for people doing Dry January2025-09-16 09:34
'Smog refugees' struggle to escape 'Airpocolypse' in Beijing2025-09-16 09:06
There's a big piece of fake chicken stuck to this phone case2025-09-16 08:53
Google's Pixel phones might have a serious audio problem2025-09-16 08:49
Toddler's misunderstanding inspires the perfect New Year's family tradition2025-09-16 08:40
Ellen DeGeneres cancels appearance of singer who made homophobic remarks2025-09-16 08:30
Dramatic photo captures nun texting friends after Italy earthquake2025-09-16 07:45
Sony built a giant 4K projector for reading magazines2025-09-16 07:26
