For years, owning the latest iPhone was seen as a must-have — but with Apple’s prices steadily rising, UK consumers are finally asking a simple question:

“Why should I pay £800–£1200 upfront when I can rent an iPhone for a fraction of the cost?”

Today, iPhone hire and phone leasing have exploded in popularity across the UK. From students to business owners to creators, thousands are switching from buying to renting — and saving hundreds of pounds every year.

In this guide, we break down why iPhone rental is booming, how much it costs, whether you can rent directly from Apple, and why options like Raylo and other UK phone leasing companies are growing so fast.

1. Why iPhone Rentals Are Booming in the UK

With inflation, finance costs, and Apple’s rising prices, UK shoppers are shifting away from the traditional “buy and keep” mindset.

Here’s what’s driving the trend:

✔ 1. Renting is significantly cheaper upfront

Instead of paying £999 for an iPhone 16, users pay £20–£35 per month with rental plans.

This makes it ideal for students, travellers, creators, and anyone who dislikes huge upfront costs.

✔ 2. New models launch every year — and people want upgrades

Renting gives you:

  • Free yearly upgrades

  • No resale stress

  • No depreciation loss

✔ 3. Insurance is often included

Most iPhone rental companies offer built-in:

  • Theft protection

  • Accidental damage cover

  • Easy replacements

This alone saves £10–£18 per month compared with AppleCare+.

✔ 4. Renting helps businesses manage budgets

Companies avoid buying £20k+ worth of devices.

Leasing lets them:

  • Add/remove devices anytime

  • Upgrade staff phones yearly

  • Lower tax-deductible monthly costs

2. Can You Rent an iPhone From Apple?

No — Apple does not offer iPhone rentals in the UK.

The only Apple alternative is the Apple Upgrade Program, but that is technically a 24-month loan, not a rental.

This is why UK customers turn to:

  • Independent phone leasing companies

  • Short-term iPhone rental services

  • Subscription-based providers like Raylo

These companies provide true rentals — meaning you pay monthly and return or upgrade when done.

3. Why Is the iPhone 16 “So Cheap” on Some Websites?

If you’ve seen ads like “iPhone 16 for £19.99/month”, these are almost always rental or leasing deals, not outright purchases.

Reasons the iPhone 16 appears cheap:

  1. Low upfront payment (usually £0).

  2. The device isn’t yours — you return it.

  3. The lease includes a mandatory upgrade cycle.

This is why prices look dramatically cheaper — because you’re paying to use the device, not own it.

4. How Much Does It Cost to Rent an iPhone in the UK?

Average iPhone rental prices (2025 range):

 iPhone 16 / 16 Plus

£24 – £34 per month

 iPhone 15 / 15 Pro Max

£19 – £29 per month

iPhone 14 & older models

£12 – £18 per month

Factors that change the price:

  • Model (Pro Max models cost more)

  • Contract length (3, 6, 12, 24 months)

  • Insurance included or not

  • Device condition (new or refurbished)

These prices are 70% cheaper upfront compared with buying new from Apple.

5. iPhone Rental vs Buying — Which Saves More?

Here’s the truth the industry doesn’t tell you:

Renting saves you money if you upgrade yearly.

If you buy an iPhone at £999 and upgrade every year:

  • You lose £350–£500 in depreciation

  • You pay for insurance separately

  • You must sell or trade in manually

With renting:

  • You upgrade instantly

  • No resale hassle

  • Insurance is included

  • Lower monthly payments

For people who always want the latest iPhone, renting is financially smarter.

6. What About MacBook & Laptop Rentals?

The trend isn’t limited to phones — MacBook rental and laptop leasing are also growing fast.

Why?

  • MacBook prices now range between £1,199 and £3,299

  • Businesses need flexible short-term devices

  • Remote workers don’t want big upfront costs

A rented MacBook can cost as little as £25–£40/month.

7. Who Should Rent an iPhone Instead of Buying?

Renting is ideal for:

✔ Students

✔ TikTok/Instagram creators

✔ Travellers needing a temporary phone

✔ Businesses upgrading staff devices

✔ Anyone who wants yearly upgrades

✔ Anyone who can’t afford high upfront costs

Buying is better only if:

  • You keep your phone 3+ years

  • You don’t care about upgrades

  • You don’t need insurance

Final Thoughts: Should You Rent an iPhone in 2025?

If you want the latest iPhone every year and don’t want to pay huge upfront costs, renting is absolutely worth it.

You:

  • Save money

  • Get insurance

  • Upgrade easily

  • Avoid depreciation

  • Pay simple monthly pricing

This is why thousands across the UK — from students to professionals — are switching to iPhone rental and phone leasing instead of purchasing.

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 SEO-Optimised FAQs (Based on Real Google Searches)

1. Can I rent an iPhone in the UK?

Yes. Several UK phone leasing companies offer short-term and long-term iPhone rentals, usually with insurance included.

2. Can I rent an iPhone from Apple?

No. Apple does not provide rental services — only financing or upgrade programs.

3. Is it cheaper to rent or buy an iPhone?

Renting is cheaper for people who upgrade yearly. Buying becomes cheaper only if you keep the phone for 3–4 years.

4. How much does it cost to rent an iPhone?

Most UK rentals cost between £15 and £35 per month, depending on the model and contract duration.

5. Why is the iPhone 16 so cheap with rental offers?

Because those deals are leasing contracts — you don’t own the device, you return or upgrade it.

6. Is Raylo a good place to rent an iPhone?

Raylo is a popular UK leasing service known for low monthly prices and included insurance.

7. Can businesses rent iPhones or MacBooks?

Yes. Business leasing options allow companies to scale devices up or down as needed, with tax-deductible monthly fees.Read More