Apple Pay Pushes Installments to In-Store Checkout

Apple is promoting the ability of Apple Pay to let users pay over time in stores as well as in apps and online.

This capability is available with iOS 26 and users’ eligible cards, the company said in a Tuesday (Feb. 17) promotional email seen by PYMNTS.

While users can pay with installments online and in apps with a compatible iPhone with iOS 18, they can use that payment method in-store only with iOS 26 or later, according to a support page to which there was a link in the email.

Users must also set up Apple Pay and have an installment option from a debit or credit card issuer or installment provider, per the support page. In the United States, this option is available using cards from participating banks that support these features (Apple recommends that users contact their bank) and from installment providers Affirm, Citi, Klarna and Synchrony, according to another support page.

Pay with installments is also available in Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, with similar requirements and different assortments of banks and providers, per the support page.

“If your card supports installments, you’ll see a Pay Later hint below your card when you check out with Apple Pay online and in apps,” Apple said on the support page. “When you check out in-store, you’ll see Pay Later options after you select your payment method. Some banks and installment providers may require you to complete an application which is subject to eligibility and approval.”

Affirm announced in September that consumers could access its payment options when making in-store purchases with Apple Pay on iPhone in the U.S., expanding a capability that was already available when checking out with Apple Pay online and in apps.

“This gives Apple Pay users in the U.S. added flexibility and transparency at even more checkouts,” Vishal Kapoor, senior vice president of product at Affirm, said at the time in a press release.

When Apple announced in June that it planned to expand the ability to pay with installments to in-store purchases, the company noted that this would provide users with added flexibility and choice.