Apple introduces cheaper App Store subscription option with 12-month commitment

Apple is rolling out a new subscription model that lets developers offer lower monthly pricing in exchange for a yearlong customer commitment. The company announced the option on Monday, allowing auto-renewing subscriptions to be billed monthly while locking in a 12-month plan. The move formalizes a marketing tactic many developers already use, where they display a discounted monthly rate to steer customers toward annual commitments. Apple said it will also set policies for how these offers are displayed to avoid misleading users about true costs. Customers can review payment structures and cancellation terms before signing up. They may cancel at any time, but monthly payments will continue until the 12-month term ends. Apple will send reminder emails and optional push notifications ahead of renewal dates. The option will not be available to developers in the United States or Singapore at launch. Apple is still navigating App Store litigation in the U.S. following its case with Epic Games, and Singapore has strict consumer payment regulations. Developers can configure the new subscription type in App Store Connect and test it in Xcode. It will be available worldwide on iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, macOS Tahoe 26.4, tvOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4 or later, with broader rollout via iOS 26.5 and related updates in May.