Klarna Group (KLAR) to power Apple Upgrade device leasing in US
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Klarna Group plc announced that it will act as the leasing provider for Apple Upgrade, a new hardware leasing program offered by Apple in the United States for eligible iPhone, Mac, iPad and Apple Watch devices. Customers can choose 12- or 24-month leases for iPhone and Apple Watch, and 24- or 36-month leases for Mac and iPad, with the option to trade in an existing device at enrollment to reduce initial monthly payments.
At the end of the lease term, customers may upgrade by entering a new lease and returning their prior device, purchase the device, or return it. Consumers apply through Apple channels and then pay and manage their leases in the Klarna app, creating direct relationships with new US consumers. Klarna states that Apple Upgrade is part of its fair financing strategy and is expected to positively contribute to Adjusted Operating Income in 2026 and across the life of the arrangement. In 1Q26, Klarna grew ARPAC by 10% and active consumers by 21%, with roughly 90% of its balance sheet deposit-financed, and recently executed a $518 million Significant Risk Transfer supporting $12 billion of lending plus a new $900 million forward flow facility.
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Filing Explained
Klarna now carries fair-value financing receivables from the program, while its 2026 operating-income benefit remains a forward-looking expectation.
Form 6-K is a foreign private issuer's interim report used to furnish material information published in its home market. Klarna states that Apple Upgrade is available now through Apple channels in the United States.
Klarna finances the consumer's purchase and carries the resulting financing receivable at fair value, creating a balance-sheet exposure linked to scheduled repayments. It earns a financing return on those repayments and retains an option, rather than a commitment, to sell the receivable through future offloading programs.
The expected contribution to 2026 Adjusted Operating Income is expressly forward-looking, and the filing identifies
Key Figures
ARPAC growth: 10%
Active consumer growth: 21%
Deposit-financed balance sheet: 90%
+5 more
8 metrics
ARPAC growth
10%
ARPAC grew by 10% in 1Q26
Active consumer growth
21%
Active consumers grew by 21% in 1Q26
Deposit-financed balance sheet
90%
Approximately 90% of the balance sheet was deposit-financed in 1Q26
Merchant network increase
352,000 merchants
Merchant network rose by 352,000 merchants year over year
Significant Risk Transfer size
$518 million
Recently announced Significant Risk Transfer of $518 million
Lending supported by SRT
$12bn
Significant Risk Transfer supports a further $12bn of lending
Forward flow facility
$900m
New $900m forward flow facility announced
Lease term options
12, 24, 36 months
Lease terms: 12/24 months for iPhone and Apple Watch; 24/36 months for Mac and iPad
Key Terms
Significant Risk Transfer, forward flow facility, Adjusted Operating Income, fair value, +1 more
5 terms
Significant Risk Transfer financial
"announced a $518 million Significant Risk Transfer, supporting a further $12bn of lending"
Significant risk transfer is an accounting and regulatory concept that describes when a company shifts enough insurance or financial risk to another party so that the original holder no longer bears meaningful exposure to potential losses. It matters to investors because whether a transaction qualifies changes how liabilities, capital requirements, and earnings volatility are reported—similar to moving a heavy backpack from a hiker to a porter, which changes how the hiker’s condition appears on the trail.
forward flow facility financial
"as well as a new $900m forward flow facility"
A forward flow facility is a contract where a buyer agrees to purchase a steady stream of future loans or receivables from a seller over time, rather than buying a single batch all at once. For investors, it matters because it provides the seller with predictable cash and shifts some credit and timing risk to the buyer—similar to subscribing to a weekly delivery of goods, it smooths revenue but also exposes the buyer to the quality of what’s delivered.
Adjusted Operating Income financial
"positively contribute to Klarna's Adjusted Operating Income in 2026"
Adjusted operating income is a company's profit from its main activities, excluding certain one-time or unusual costs and gains. It helps investors see how well the business is performing in its normal operations, without distractions from rare events or expenses. This way, they get a clearer picture of the company’s true profitability.
fair value financial
"Klarna carries the financing receivable at fair value on its balance sheet"
Fair value is an estimate of what an asset or company is really worth today, derived from expected future earnings, comparable market prices and other relevant facts—like agreeing a price for a used car after checking mileage, condition and similar listings. Investors use fair value to decide whether a stock looks overpriced or undervalued, which helps guide buy, hold or sell decisions and sets expectations for potential returns and risk.
fair financing financial
"an extension of Klarna’s fair financing strategy"
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
FAQ
What did Klarna (KLAR) announce regarding the Apple Upgrade program?
Klarna announced it will serve as the leasing provider for Apple Upgrade, a new device leasing program for iPhone, Mac, iPad and Apple Watch in the US, offered through Apple’s channels and managed by consumers in the Klarna app.
How does the Apple Upgrade leasing program with Klarna (KLAR) work?
Apple Upgrade lets customers lease eligible devices through Klarna with 12- or 24-month terms for iPhone and Apple Watch and 24- or 36-month terms for Mac and iPad, with options at lease end to upgrade, purchase, or return the device.
What financial impact does Klarna (KLAR) expect from Apple Upgrade?
Klarna states it expects Apple Upgrade to positively contribute to its Adjusted Operating Income in 2026 and over the life of the arrangement, as Klarna finances the purchase, earns a financing return, and may later sell receivables through offloading programs.
What growth metrics did Klarna (KLAR) highlight alongside the Apple partnership?
In 1Q26, Klarna reports ARPAC grew by 10% and active consumers by 21%, with its merchant network increasing by 352,000 merchants year over year, illustrating broader platform expansion alongside the new Apple Upgrade leasing arrangement.
How is Klarna (KLAR) financing its lending growth linked to Apple Upgrade?
Klarna reports that about 90% of its balance sheet was deposit-financed in 1Q26 and that it completed a $518 million Significant Risk Transfer supporting $12 billion of lending, plus a new $900 million forward flow facility to support ongoing lending growth.
When will Klarna (KLAR) report its 2Q26 financial results?
Klarna states it will report 2Q26 results on August 18, 2026. The Apple Upgrade program is expected to contribute to the company’s Adjusted Operating Income in 2026, and investors may assess early effects when those quarterly results are released.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of July 2026
Commission File Number: 001-42832
Klarna Group plc
(Translation of Registrant’s Name into English)
10 York Road
London SE1 7ND
United Kingdom
(Address of Principal Executive Office)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F ☒ Form 40-F ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):
Yes o No x
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS REPORT ON FORM 6-K
On July 28, 2026, Klarna Group plc (the "Company") announced that it would serve as the leasing provider for Apple Upgrade, a new hardware leasing program offered by Apple Inc. in the United States. A copy of the Company's press release regarding the announcement is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1, a copy of the Company’s note to investors regarding the announcement is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.2.
The information contained in this report on Form 6-K, including Exhibits 99.1, and 99.2, is intended to be furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, unless expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are attached:
| Exhibit No. | Description | |||||||
| 99.1 | Press Release | |||||||
| 99.2 | Note to Investors | |||||||
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
KLARNA GROUP PLC | ||||||||
Date: July 28, 2026 | By: | /s/ Niclas Neglen | ||||||
Name: Niclas Neglen Title: Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
Klarna to power Apple Upgrade, a new hardware leasing program offered by Apple New York, July 28, 2026 - Klarna, the global digital bank and flexible payments provider, today announced it would be the leasing provider behind the Apple Upgrade program, a new hardware leasing option available from Apple in the United States. Lease Apple hardware for low monthly payments Provided by Klarna, Apple Upgrade offers customers a new way to pay for eligible iPhone, Mac, iPad and Apple Watch. Customers can select from 12- and 24-month leasing options for iPhone and Apple Watch, and 24- and 36-month leasing options for Mac and iPad. In addition, when customers first enroll in Apple Upgrade, they can trade in an existing device to further lower their monthly payments during their initial lease term. The freedom to upgrade, return, or buy When the lease ends, customers choose what suits them: upgrade to the latest model*, purchase their device, or return it. A seamless checkout, and easy to manage payments Apple and Klarna have built an easy and seamless checkout experience which shows customers exactly what customers are agreeing to before they enter into a lease. Upon choosing their preferred device and leasing term customers can apply at Apple Retail, both online, in-store, and Apple Store app. Customers can apply within minutes, and if approved by Klarna, can complete their transaction at Apple Retail and Apple Store as usual. In-store customers can enjoy their new device right away, while online customers can choose delivery or in-store pickup. Customers can see their upcoming payments in the Klarna app and stay on top of their lease from start to finish. The Klarna leasing option is available now on the Apple Store online, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple Store locations in the United States. *Upgrades require entering into a new lease and returning your prior device, and are subject to eligibility and credit approval.
A Message To Investors: The Apple Upgrade Partnership New York, July 28, 2026 Earlier today, Klarna and Apple announced the Apple Upgrade partnership, a new device leasing program available on the Apple Store Online, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple Store locations in the United States. Apple Upgrade builds on Klarna's existing relationship with Apple and is an extension of Klarna’s fair financing strategy. Over the past year, the number of merchants offering fair financing to consumers more than doubled. Consumers apply at Apple and then pay and manage within the Klarna app, creating a direct relationship with new US consumers that supports Klarna’s ability to grow engagement, ARPAC, and profitability. In 1Q26, Klarna grew ARPAC by 10% and active consumers by 21%, as more consumers used more products. We expect the program to positively contribute to Klarna's Adjusted Operating Income in 2026 and across the life of the arrangement. Klarna finances the consumer's purchase and earns a financing return on the scheduled repayments. Klarna carries the financing receivable at fair value on its balance sheet, and retains the option to sell it into future offloading programs. Klarna maintains a strong capital base — in 1Q26, approximately 90% of our balance sheet was deposit-financed — giving us room to keep growing with our merchant network, which rose by 352,000 merchants year over year. In the past month, Klarna has announced a $518 million Significant Risk Transfer, supporting a further $12bn of lending as well as a new $900m forward flow facility. Klarna reports 2Q26 results on August 18, 2026. Forward-looking statements This message contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the expected financial contribution of Apple Upgrade to Klarna's Adjusted Operating Income and Klarna's full-year 2026 outlook. Forward-looking statements are based on Klarna's current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Klarna undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement except as required by law. Adjusted Operating Income is a non-IFRS measure; see Klarna's most recent periodic report for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable IFRS measure.