Apple Pay Later Makes Its Debut in the US

Apple Pay Later, the tech big’s entry into “purchase now, pay later,” companies, is launching within the US beginning Tuesday, however just for a restricted variety of individuals to begin. The service will let iPhone customers cut up Apple Pay purchases into 4 equal funds unfold over six weeks. 

Apple Pay Later shall be accessible inside the Pockets app, the iPhone’s digital pockets app, alongside different funds options like Apple Card and Apple Money. Apple stated individuals will have the ability to apply for Apple Pay Later loans of $50 to $1,000, which might then be used for on-line and in-app purchases made on an iPhone or iPad. Folks can then observe and handle Apple Pay Later loans within the Pockets app, and can obtain notifications and electronic mail earlier than their subsequent cost is due. 

“Apple Pay Later was designed with our customers’ monetary well being in thoughts, so it has no charges and no curiosity, and can be utilized and managed inside Pockets, making it simpler for shoppers to make knowledgeable and accountable borrowing selections,” stated Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice chairman of Apple Pay and Apple Pockets, in a launch. 

Apple introduced Apple Pay Later nearly a 12 months in the past at its 2022 Worldwide Builders Convention in June, saying it will be accessible in iOS 16. Whereas not included within the preliminary launch of iOS 16, the funds characteristic is obtainable to some as a part of iOS 16.4 and iPadOS 16.4, which got here out on Monday.

Purchase now, pay later companies, or BNPL, have grown in recognition lately, with individuals spending $120 billion by way of these plans in 2021, in response to GlobalData. Firms together with PayPal, Amazon, Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay provide BNPL choices, in addition to some bank card suppliers. Whereas BNPL plans provide flexibility, some monetary specialists have warned the companies additionally include dangers, together with making it simpler for individuals overspend and accumulate debt. 

Apple stated “randomly chosen customers” will get an electronic mail invite to attempt a prerelease model of Apple Pay Later by way of the Pockets app beginning Tuesday. Apple will provide the service to all eligible customers “within the coming months,” the corporate stated. Folks have to be 18 years of age or older to make use of Apple Pay Later, and must have Apple Pay arrange with a debit card. 

Apple did not instantly reply to a request for extra remark.