Apple Pay Later has finally completed its "early access" period and is now available to all Apple Pay users in the United States. Given that the service was first announced last June with the goal of launching with iOS 16, it's about time. [The idea behind Apple Pay Later is simple: when you make a purchase with Apple Pay, you can pay the total amount in four separate payments. The first payment is made immediately, and the remaining three payments are made at 14-day intervals over a six-week period; if you've ever used services like Klarna or Affirm, it's pretty much the same principle.

If you were part of the Apple Pay Later early access program, this news would be pretty meaningless. For other Apple Pay users, the "Pay Later" option should appear during the checkout process.

Apple Pay Later can be used on Apple Pay-enabled websites and apps for purchases between $75 and $1,000 on an iPhone or iPad.

Of course, if you want to put the money side of things away, you can continue to pay in full. But given that the program is interest-free and that you can already afford to make your payments on time, splitting the total amount may save you some financial burden.

While there are no late fees for missed payments, you should not rely on this program to buy something you cannot afford to pay. Apple doesn't specify that, but it won't end well.

There are of course some conditions to start using Apple Pay Later. You don't seem to have to apply anymore, but Apple's website states that you must be at least 18 years old, have a physical U.S. address (not a PO Box), and have a debit card attached to your Apple Pay account. As is the case with most loan and credit-centered payment plans, you cannot pay for purchases with Apple Pay Later with a credit card.

It also requires that two-factor authentication be set up and that the device be updated to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Apple also mentions the possibility of having to verify identity with a driver's license or state ID.

It is unclear if or when Apple Pay Later will be introduced in other regions. Therefore, unless you are a US resident, you will have to put up with regular Apple Pay for the time being.