Apple is adding a monthly payment option for yearly App Store plans

Apple is rolling out a new subscription model on the App Store that gives developers more flexibility in how they price long-term plans. The update introduces a middle ground between traditional monthly billing and full upfront annual subscriptions.

Instead of forcing users to choose between paying every month or committing to a full year in one payment, developers can now offer annual subscriptions that are billed monthly. This approach keeps the cost benefits typically associated with yearly plans while making payments easier to manage over time.

How the new subscription model works

Monthly Subscriptions with a 12-Month Commitment — Image Credit: Apple.com

With this model, users still commit to a 12-month subscription, but the total cost is split into monthly payments rather than being charged all at once. It lowers the upfront financial burden without changing the structure of the plan itself.

If a user chooses to cancel, the subscription will not renew after the 12-month term ends. However, since the user agreed to the full-year commitment, any remaining payments must still be completed.

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Apple is also improving transparency around these subscriptions. Users will be able to track how many payments they have already made and how many remain, making it easier to understand their commitment at any point.

To avoid surprises, Apple will send email reminders and optional push notifications ahead of renewals, giving users enough time to manage or cancel their plans if needed.

Rollout and availability

Developers can begin setting up and testing this new subscription model immediately through App Store Connect and Xcode.

The feature is expected to roll out to users with iOS 26.5 and other related platform updates next month.

At launch, the feature will not be available in all regions. Apple has excluded the United States and Singapore from the initial rollout, and there is currently no confirmed timeline for expansion to those markets.

Would you prefer paying monthly for a yearly plan like this, or do you still prefer a one-time annual payment? Let us know what you think.