• Apple has decided to discontinue its "Apple Pay Later" buy-now, pay-later (BNPL) service, shifting the risk to its partner Affirm. This move comes as BNPL providers face increasing scrutiny and regulation, with concerns about the potential for consumer harm and increased debt burdens.

• The article suggests that Apple's decision to abandon its BNPL offering and instead rely on Affirm's platform may be driven by a desire to avoid the regulatory and reputational risks associated with BNPL services. By outsourcing the service to Affirm, Apple can potentially distance itself from any issues that may arise.

• The article also highlights the broader challenges facing the BNPL industry, as regulators and consumer advocates raise concerns about the potential for these services to encourage overspending and debt accumulation, particularly among vulnerable populations. This shift in Apple's strategy reflects the evolving landscape and the need for BNPL providers to adapt to increasing scrutiny and changing market conditions.