Cupertino:Apple has announced a new payment option for app subscriptions, allowing users to pay annual plans in monthly instalments through the App Store , offering greater flexibility but with a fixed one year commitment.
Under the updated system, users will no longer need to pay the full annual subscription fee upfront. Instead, the cost will be split into 12 equal monthly instalments.
For instance, a yearly subscription priced at ₹1,200 can now be paid as ₹100 per month over 12 months. Discounted annual plans will also be divided similarly, making premium services more accessible to users.
While the move introduces flexibility in payments, it does not change the subscription duration. Users will still be locked into a one-year commitment.
Cancelling a subscription midway will not stop the remaining payments. The subscription will continue until the 12-month period ends, though it will not auto renew after completion if cancelled earlier.
Additionally, missing a monthly payment could result in suspension of access to the subscribed service.
Apple is also updating its interface to make subscription tracking easier. Users will now be able to see monthly payment amounts along with upcoming due dates directly on the App Store page for active subscriptions.
This aims to provide greater transparency and help users manage recurring expenses more effectively.
The feature is set to roll out globally starting May with upcoming software updates, including iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, tvOS 26.5 and visionOS 26.5.
However, Apple has confirmed that the feature will not be available initially in the United States and Singapore.
The move is expected to benefit users who prefer spreading out payments instead of paying large sums upfront. It also aligns with broader trends in digital payments, where subscription-based services are increasingly offering flexible billing options.
However, the mandatory one year commitment means users must still plan their subscriptions carefully to avoid unwanted charges.
Apple's new instalment-based subscription model strikes a balance between affordability and commitment. While it reduces the burden of upfront payments, the fixed annual lock-in ensures that users remain tied to their subscriptions for the full duration.