Apple has introduced a new subscription payment option on its App Store that allows users to pay for auto-renewable subscriptions on a monthly basis while committing to a 12-month plan.
The technology company said the new model is designed to reduce the upfront cost burden on users while providing developers with more predictable, long-term revenue streams.
Under the arrangement, customers can spread payments over 12 months instead of paying a lump sum for an annual subscription. Developers, in turn, may offer discounted monthly rates compared to standard month-to-month plans.
Apple said the feature is intended to make subscription pricing more flexible, noting that developers typically promote annual plans by showing lower monthly equivalents to encourage longer commitments.
According to the company, users will be able to cancel subscriptions at any time; however, payments will continue until all agreed instalments within the 12-month cycle are completed. The subscription will not renew once the term ends if the user cancels before completion.
To improve transparency, Apple said subscribers will be able to view their payment progress, including completed and remaining instalments, through their Apple Account settings.
The company also disclosed that it will send reminder emails and optional push notifications ahead of renewal dates to ensure users are fully informed.
However, Apple noted that the new subscription option will not be available at launch in the United States and Singapore, without providing reasons for their exclusion.
Developers can already configure the feature through App Store Connect and test it using Xcode ahead of its rollout.
The company said the feature will be available globally, except in the excluded markets, on devices running iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, macOS Tahoe 26.4, tvOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4 or later. Full availability is expected following software updates scheduled for May.
