June 17 (Reuters) - Apple ( AAPL ) on Monday said it

will discontinue its "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) service in the

United States as it launches a new loan program.

Users will be able to access installment loans offered

through credit, debit cards and lenders when checking out with

Apple Pay, starting later this year, the company said in a

statement.

"This solution will enable us to bring flexible payments to

more users, in more places across the globe in collaboration

with Apple Pay-enabled banks and lenders," the company said.

The existing users of the BNPL service, Apple Pay Later,

with open loans will still be able to manage and pay them via

the Wallet app, the company said.

Apple Pay Later was unveiled to select users in March last

year, allowing users to split purchases into four payments

spread over six weeks with no interest or fees.