Apple (AAPL) stock is inching higher on Tuesday after the Nasdaq-listed firm announced a flexible hardware-leasing program in the U.S. dubbed Apple Upgrade. For AAPL stock, this new offering in collaboration with Klarna carries strategic significance given it lowers upfront costs. Crucially, Apple Upgrade could convert one-off device purchases into steady recurring revenues while driving adoption across flagship hardware and attached services. Note that Barchart currently holds a "100% BUY" opinion on AAPL shares, indicating technical momentum strongly favors continued upside ahead. Investors should note that other Wall Street analysts also seem to believe that AAPL stock has gone a bit too far in 2026.