Apple Inc. has decided to discontinue its Pay Later program, allowing customers to make purchases on an installment plan, in favor of integrating third-party services like Affirm Holdings Inc. and Citigroup Inc. into its iOS 18 software. The move signals a shift away from offering financial services in-house, a strategic retreat from the iPhone maker. Apple Pay Later, which allowed users to pay off purchases up to $1,000 in four installments, will no longer be available in the U.S. Instead, customers globally will have access to installment loans offered through credit and debit cards and lenders when checking out with Apple Pay. The decision comes after Apple initially launched the Pay Later program using an in-house platform last year. The company remains committed to providing secure and private payment options through Apple Pay, ensuring users have flexibility with their payments.