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iOS 26.5 might add new in-app options for subscriptions

read original get Apple iOS 26.5 Guide → more articles
Why This Matters

The upcoming iOS 26.5 update introduces a new subscription billing option that allows users to pay monthly while committing to a 12-month period, potentially offering discounts and more flexible payment plans. This development could influence how developers structure their subscription offerings, providing consumers with more tailored choices and possibly more affordable options. As subscriptions continue to dominate digital services, such features enhance user flexibility and could impact industry pricing strategies.

Key Takeaways

iOS 26.5 beta 1 arrived today for developer testing, and Apple’s release notes indicate that the update will offer new App Store options for in-app subscriptions.

Apps may soon offer ‘monthly with 12-month commitment’ subscription plans

The first iOS 26.5 beta is here, and so far changes seem few.

There’s a new Apple Maps ‘Suggested Places’ feature, and the return of end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging, but not a lot else.

However, Apple’s iOS and iPadOS 26.5 beta release notes mention what sounds like a forthcoming new in-app subscription option.

Under the ‘New Features’ heading, several bullet points reference a new subscription plan that would let users be billed monthly, but with a 12-month commitment.

Essentially, it sounds like an annual plan, but split into 12 monthly payments—presumably with a discount for the upfront commitment.

From the release notes for developers:

“You can read pricing information for subscriptions that have a monthly with 12-month commitment billing plan configuration…”

“You can specify the billing plan type to use for subscriptions that have a monthly with 12-month commitment billing plan configuration…”

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