Apple Adds Monthly Installments for App Store Annual Plans

Apple has announced a new subscription payment option for the App Store that allows users to pay for annual plans in monthly installments while committing to a full 12-month term. The feature, aimed at making premium apps and services more affordable, will roll out globally next month except in the United States and Singapore. It requires devices running iOS 26.4 or later, with full availability alongside updates to iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5.

Under the model, developers can offer discounted pricing typically reserved for annual subscriptions, spread across 12 smaller monthly payments. This reduces the upfront cost compared to a lump-sum payment, while locking in the lower rate associated with yearly commitments. Users retain some control: they can cancel at any time, but doing so only prevents automatic renewal after the 12 months. All remaining payments must still be completed, or access to the subscription could be restricted if payments fail.

Apple emphasized transparency in the system. "People can cancel their subscription at any time, which will prevent the subscription from renewing after they've completed their agreed-to...