Apple Pay Later finally launches

New service offers interest-free loans on almost any purchase.

Author

Leander Kahney
March 28, 2023

Apple just soft-launched its Apple Pay Later service to random iPhone users in the United States. It will allow consumers to split purchases into four payments spread over six weeks.

There’s been some criticism that Apple Pay Later will encourage consumers to make purchases they can’t afford.

However, unlike other pay-later services such as Klarna or AfterPay, Apple charges no fees or interest.

In addition, Apple says it will perform credit checks on consumers to ensure they can repay the loans — and won’t charge late fees if payments are missed.

Apple has offered Pay Later-style installments on its own products for years, and there hasn’t been a huge outcry about it. By expanding the service to other goods, it seems likely that Apple Pay Later will be a success.

Also in today’s newsletter:

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

PRESENTED BY:

Apple Pay Later gives you 6 weeks to pay off interest-free loans

The new Apple Pay Later service allows consumers to pay off purchases of less than $1,000 in installments. No interest or fees are charged.

Apple Music Classical app steps onto the conductor's podium

The long-awaited app arrives, offering Apple Music subscribers better ways to find and enjoy classical recordings.

Get ‘high five emoji’ and 14 other new must-try features in iOS 16.4

As soon as you upgrade your iPhone, check out these top 15 new features and significant changes — including the new “high five emoji” combo.

A message from the Cult of Mac Store

Stylish magnetic hoop stand holds iPhone or iPad securely

The MagEasy FlipMount Magnetic Hoop Stand is MagSafe-compatible, sure, but it also works with older, unmagnetized iPhones, iPads and practically anything else.

iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 updates fix serious security problems in older handsets and tablets

Apple introduced iOS 15.7.4 and iPadOS 15.7.4 for older devices to close security holes in a range of frequently used applications.

You can now delete unwanted system apps directly from Apple Watch

With the release of watchOS 9.4, Apple makes it possible to get rid of certain unwanted stock apps right from the smartwatch.

A message from Finance Buzz

Experts urge Americans to transfer their balances in 2023

If you have outstanding credit card debt and large monthly payments, getting a new 0% intro APR credit card could help ease the pressure while you pay down your balances.

Our credit card experts put together a list of the top cards offering extended periods of 0% intro APR on balance transfers and purchases. Apply today to take advantage of these special rates before they're gone.

Get up to 46% off iMacs and MacBooks this week

Woot! is pushing M1 iMacs and MacBooks at low prices through April 3, with up to 46% off some machines.

/

You can’t go wrong with AirBox Go while traveling [Review]

The sleek AirBox Go works as advertised. It's an excellent three-in-one portable power bank for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods.

How to use Magic Eraser on your iPhone to remove unwanted objects from photos

Learn how to employ Google's magical photo-editing tool on your iPhone to remove undesirable bits from your pictures.

This new robot vacuum really gets you

Ecovacs' newest robot vacuum, the Deebot T10 Omni, includes its own AI voice assistant named Yiko. Sorry, Siri.

Today in Apple history: Apple racks up staggering $700 million loss

On March 28, 1996, Apple sent a dire message to Wall Street. The company warned that it would report a massive $700 million after-tax loss for its most recent quarter.

Tweetz o’ the day

One more thing ...

❝

There's nothing that makes my day more than getting an email from some random person in the universe who just bought an iPad over in the U.K. and tells me the story about how it's the coolest product they've ever brought home.

— Steve Jobs, D8 conference, 2010.

Today’s poll

Will you use Apple Pay Later?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Results from yesterday’s poll: What's the #1 thing you want in iOS 17?

Best reader comment from ‘ritab’

Reply

or to participate.