Apple's Abrupt Departure from the Buy Now, Pay Later Market Leaves Users in Limbo

June 20, 2024, 3:56 am
9to5Mac
9to5Mac
ContentITNewsProductWeb
Location: United States, California, Cupertino
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 2007
Apple
Apple
B2CCloudComputerE-commerceElectronicsMusicPersonalProductStorageTechnology
Location: United States, California, Cupertino
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1976
Affirm
Affirm
E-commerceFinTechInformationInfrastructureInterestOnlineProductServiceTechnologyTime
Location: United States, California, San Francisco
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 2012
Total raised: $4.22B
Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs
Location: United States, New York
Employees: 1-10
Apple's unexpected decision to discontinue its Apple Pay Later program has caught many users off guard, as the tech giant swiftly retreats from the buy now, pay later (BNPL) market. The program, which allowed users to apply for loans ranging from $50 to $1,000 directly from the Wallet app on their iPhones, was made generally available less than a year ago. Offering borrowers the option to pay off the loan in four installments over six weeks, with no fees or interest, Apple Pay Later was positioned as a convenient and flexible financial tool for consumers.

However, in a recent statement to 9to5Mac and CNBC, Apple announced the end of the Apple Pay Later program, signaling a shift towards offering installment loans through various lenders, credit cards, and debit cards. This move comes as Apple seeks to streamline its financial services offerings and potentially explore new partnerships in the industry.

The discontinuation of Apple Pay Later not only impacts current users with open loans but also raises questions about the future of BNPL options on Apple devices. With the upcoming release of iOS 18, users will have the opportunity to access BNPL loans from Affirm and other banking partners, indicating a shift in Apple's approach to providing financial services to its customers.

Furthermore, the end of the BNPL program may signal a change in Apple's relationship with Goldman Sachs, its current partner for the Apple Card, Apple Savings account, and Apple Pay Later. By discontinuing Apple Pay Later, Apple could be paving the way for new financial services partnerships that align more closely with its evolving business strategy.

As users navigate the transition away from Apple Pay Later, the introduction of installment loans through credit and debit cards with Apple Pay offers a glimpse into the future of personal finance options on Apple devices. While the sudden discontinuation of Apple Pay Later may have caught some users by surprise, the shift towards new financial offerings signals Apple's commitment to adapting to changing consumer preferences and industry trends.

In conclusion, Apple's decision to end the Apple Pay Later program marks a significant shift in its approach to BNPL services and financial partnerships. As users adjust to the changes and explore new installment loan options, the future of financial services on Apple devices remains dynamic and full of potential collaborations with industry leaders.