Apple announces new, more affordable subscription option on the App Store

Developers will be able to offer monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment to the users for affordable payments.

Apple has introduced a new subscription option on the App Store to make the lives of developers and users a bit easier. The Cupertino giant will allow developers to offer monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment for their apps as a new payment option.

Annual plans are generally cheaper. The new option allows developers to transfer that benefit to those who want to pay monthly. In other words, people can have more affordable subscriptions by paying a smaller amount each month instead of a single payment.

"People can cancel their subscription at any time, which will prevent the subscription from renewing after they’ve completed their agreed-to payments to fulfill their commitment," Apple said. Your subscription will automatically renew into another 12-month commitment once all 12 payments are completed. You can cancel early, but your monthly payments will continue until the commitment period ends, or you will lose access to the subscription if your payment fails.

Developers can configure the new subscription option in App Store Connect and test it in XCode. Apple said that monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment will be available worldwide next month, with the release of iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5. However, it won't be available in the US and Singapore, and Apple hasn't revealed any possible release date.

The feature will be backward compatible with iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, macOS Tahoe 26.4, tvOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4 once it goes live. You can easily keep an eye on the number of completed and remaining payments for the subscription in your Apple account. Apple will send emails and push notifications ahead of the renewal date to remind you of the upcoming purchase.

Apart from that, Apple is going through a major transition this year. Apple CEO Tim Cook will step down after almost 15 years, succeeded by John Ternus, who is currently the SVP of Hardware Engineering. The iPhone Fold (and several other products) will mark Ternus' first major moment on the stage as the new Apple boss.

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Posted Tuesday 28 April 2026 at 5:28 pm AEST (my time).

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