Apple plans to start its U.S. iPhone leasing program on a confirmed start day through the upgrade program channel. The service partners with the lender for bill scheduling. It targets buyers amid increased spending levels after Apple hiked Mac costs not long ago. Users may pick monthly payments instead of buying up front. Leased iPhones can be disabled remotely if terms fall apart. Apple includes supporting tools in upcoming iOS version. Some shoppers are unsure how leasing stacks up against purchase outright. Critics point out that remote disablement locks users out if something goes wrong. Supporters note leasing cuts entry cost and makes refreshes easier. The plan ties into Apple's hardware cycle as iPhone MSRPs inch higher device by device. Shoppers ought to compare before diving in.