Apple Launches New App Store Subscription Plan: More Affordable with a 12-Month Commitment
Apple has announced a new subscription payment method on the App Store, offering developers and users more flexible subscription options. The Cupertino-based tech giant will allow developers to offer a "12-month commitment, pay monthly" subscription plan for their applications.
Typically, annual subscription packages are more cost-effective. This new feature allows developers to pass on the annual discount to users who prefer to pay monthly. In other words, users don't need to pay the full year's fee upfront, but can enjoy more affordable subscription services by paying a smaller amount each month.
In a statement, Apple said: "Users can cancel their subscriptions at any time, but cancellation will only prevent automatic renewal after the agreed payment commitment is completed." Once all 12 monthly payments are completed, the subscription will automatically renew for another 12-month commitment period. If users cancel their subscription early, monthly payments will continue until the commitment period ends; if payment fails, users will lose access to the subscription.
Developers can configure this new subscription option in App Store Connect and test it in Xcode. Apple says the 12-month commitment, pay monthly subscription feature will roll out globally next month with the release of iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5, but not in the US and Singapore, where Apple has not yet announced specific launch dates for these markets.
The feature will be backward compatible with iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, macOS Tahoe 26.4, tvOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4 systems. Users can easily view the number of completed payments and remaining payments for their subscriptions in their Apple account. Apple will also remind users of upcoming deductions via email and push notifications as the renewal date approaches.
In addition, Apple is undergoing significant personnel changes this year. Apple CEO Tim Cook is set to step down after nearly 15 years in office, to be replaced by current Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering John Ternus. The foldable iPhone and several other new products will be Ternus's first major appearance as Apple's new leader.