Apple Introduces Installment-Based Annual App Payments

Apple is introducing a new rule to make app purchases and subscription payments easier and more affordable for iPhone and iPad users. Under this system, users will be able to pay for annual app subscriptions in monthly installments instead of making a large one-time payment. However, users will be required to commit to a 12-month agreement.

Apple officially announced this new subscription model on Monday (27 April).

What is this new model?
Typically, many apps offer a monthly subscription fee of $10, while an annual subscription is available at a discounted rate of $80 or $90. Many users opt for the monthly plan to avoid paying a large amount upfront, even though it becomes more expensive over time.

With Apple’s new feature, users will be able to enjoy the discounted annual subscription rate while paying in monthly installments. The condition is that once the subscription starts, users must continue the installment payments for at least 12 months.

Cancellation rules and conditions
Users can cancel the subscription at any time; however, payments will not stop immediately. Since it is a 12-month agreement, even if the subscription is canceled, the remaining monthly installments for that year will continue to be automatically deducted from the user’s Apple account.

After the 12-month period ends, the subscription will automatically renew. Therefore, users must ensure they fully cancel the subscription before the renewal date to avoid unintended charges. Users can easily check from their Apple account how many installments have been paid and how many remain.

Who will not get this benefit?
Initially, this feature will not be available to users in the United States and Singapore. It is believed that the ongoing legal dispute between Apple and Epic Games in the United States, as well as Singapore’s strict payment regulations, are the reasons these countries have been excluded for now.

When will it be available?
Apple stated that users of iOS 26.4 and later versions will have access to this feature. Additionally, when iOS 26.5 is released in May, the feature will be rolled out more broadly worldwide. Developers can already integrate this new payment option into their apps through App Store Connect.

DBTech/BMT/OR