Apple introduces 12-month commitment subscriptions on App Store, expanding flexible pricing models

Apple is rolling out a new subscription model on the App Store that allows developers to offer monthly payments tied to a 12-month commitment, adding a hybrid pricing structure between traditional monthly and annual plans.

The feature enables users to pay for a yearly subscription in monthly installments while committing to the full term. Unlike standard auto-renewable subscriptions, users can cancel at any time, but access continues until the agreed payment cycle is completed, after which the subscription will not renew.

The new option introduces a pricing mechanism that combines the lower cost typically associated with annual plans and the accessibility of monthly billing. For developers, this creates an additional lever to optimize conversion and retention by reducing upfront cost barriers without removing long-term commitment.

The model is positioned as part of a broader shift toward more flexible subscription design, where payment structures can be adapted to user preferences while maintaining predictable revenue cycles.

Apple is also introducing additional transparency features alongside the new subscription type. Users will be able to track the number of completed and remaining payments directly within their account settings.

To reduce billing friction, the platform will send email reminders and optional push notifications ahead of renewal dates, ensuring users are informed about upcoming charges tied to their subscription commitments.

Developers can begin configuring and testing the new subscription model immediately through App Store Connect and Xcode. The feature is expected to become available to users with the rollout of upcoming OS updates, including iOS 26.5 and corresponding platform versions.

The rollout will apply to devices running iOS 26.4 or later, as well as equivalent versions across iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and visionOS.

At launch, the subscription option will not be available in the United States and Singapore. Apple has not provided a timeline for expansion into these markets, indicating a phased rollout approach for the feature.