Developers Now Able to Offer Promo Codes for In-App Purchases - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Developers Now Able to Offer Promo Codes for In-App Purchases

by

appstoreApple today announced that it is now letting developers create promo codes for in-app purchases, giving developers a way to allow early testers, reviewers, and press to unlock content that would normally only be available through a purchase.

Developers have long been able to offer promo codes to download a paid app, but until today, there was no simple way to offer access to in-app purchases.

Developers are able to give away up to 100 promo codes for each in-app purchase item, up to a maximum of 1,000 codes per app every six months.

Top Rated Comments

A
alazhaarp
127 months ago
How about demo/trial? Upgrade pricing? I guess not yet..
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
9
9052042
127 months ago
FINALLY!!! #courage
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
T
Tubamajuba
127 months ago
FINALLY!!! #courage
Innovation!
Just as courageous and innovative as people posting the exact same things over and over again in the comments of every single article on this website.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jessica Lares Avatar
Jessica Lares
127 months ago
Not bad, lots of camera filters and game currency IAP freebies coming our way I bet.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
M
Max Portakabin
127 months ago
Profound.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thermodynamic Avatar
thermodynamic
127 months ago
I wouldn't call #courage "bashing". As I said its a little jab at them for taking so long to implement one of the most requested developer features for as long as I remember.

Unlike you I'm more than a fanboy so I have the right to jab at them out of frustration. Even if its tedious on you to read it over and over again. You are looking at this from a biased perspective. Reading article after article with people "bashing" Apple, my little jab seems like another bash to you. But really its a little tiny jab
[doublepost=1477830724][/doublepost]

Horrible idea! Between users not willing to pay for app upfront and developers already having a hard time making money, this would be the final straw. IAPs are one of the only ways to introduce users to the app and a basic set of features and allow them to pay for more advanced features. Without annoying and intrusive ads or asking for an upfront payment.

Additionally because indie devs are having a hard time generating income, many are abandoning their apps or leaving them outdated and unsupported. IAP promos is a cheap way of doing this for them. As promos are suppose to cause a spike in downloads and therefore spur more organic growth that should result in more IAP purchases and such.

Still not the best solution because it makes indie devs sacrifice short term profit for POTENTIALLY future earnings. Apple needs to spur more opportunities for developers to make money to keep their ecosystem strong.
Now educate users on why pay-for apps are better than "free" ads that usurp away your monthly bandwidth and processor time with all the hidden garbage... oh, wait, app crap makers prefer the ad-based revenue since it's more moola for them in the long road, or at least for the 2 minutes a person uses a game before getting sick and ****ing tired of ads...
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

iphone 16 teal

'Siri AI' Lawsuit Update: Apple to Pay Owners of These iPhone Models

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:08 am PDT by
In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri AI's delayed launch, and eligible iPhone users could receive up to a $95 payout. This week, the California court overseeing the case held a hearing regarding preliminary approval of the settlement, but the judge has not yet issued a ruling. It will likely be at least a few more months before eligible...
Read Full Article • 120 comments
Apple TV Thumb 3

Everything Coming in the 2026 Apple TV 4K

Wednesday July 8, 2026 4:51 pm PDT by
The Apple TV 4K hasn't been updated since 2022, and it's due for a refresh. An update is planned for 2026, but Apple is likely going to wait to launch it after Siri AI launches in iOS 27. Design Apple TV design updates don't happen often, and that's not changing. The next Apple TV is going to have the same squircle shape as the current model, and it'll continue to be made from a black...
Read Full Article • 175 comments
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says iPhone Driver's Licenses Will Expand to These 6 U.S. States

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:29 am PDT by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. To set up the feature, open the Wallet app on the iPhone and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, tap on Driver's License and ID Cards,...
Read Full Article