Skip to Content

Apple Introduces Subscription Codes for Developers

Apple today informed developers about an upcoming Subscription Code feature that's designed to allow developers to offer up discounted or free auto-renewable subscriptions to lure customers.

apple developer banner

Later this year, you'll be able to acquire, retain, and win back subscribers with subscription offer codes: unique, alphanumeric codes that provide free or discounted prices for auto-renewable subscriptions. Provide your one-time use codes digitally or offline at physical events, alongside products, and more. Customers on iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 and later can redeem offer codes on the App Store, through a one-time code redemption URL, or within your app if you've implemented the presentCodeRedemptionSheet API.

Apple says that developers can give customers unique, alphanumeric codes that are one time use, provided at digital or physical events, alongside products, and more. Subscription codes are an iOS and iPadOS 14 feature and are coming later this year.

More information about Subscription Codes can be found on Apple's developer website.

Popular Stories

iphone fold text

iPhone Fold Crease Measurements Revealed as Device Hits Production

Wednesday February 25, 2026 5:37 am PST by
Apple has submitted production line orders for its upcoming foldable iPhone, effectively confirming that the device will launch this year, claims a Chinese leaker. According to the Weibo account "Fixed Focus Digital," assembly lines recently received the orders from Apple, which has apparently allowed the leaker to learn the crease measurements for the device's 7.8-inch inner display....
Low Cost A18 Pro MacBook Feature Pink

Leaker Says Apple's Lower-Cost MacBook Will Have These 8 Limitations

Wednesday February 25, 2026 9:25 am PST by
Apple is expected to unveil its long-rumored lower-cost MacBook next week. Given it will be more affordable, this MacBook model will obviously have some reduced specs and compromises compared to the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. While we are still waiting for Apple to announce the new MacBook, a leaker has shared eight alleged limitations to expect, based on an internal version of Apple's...
m3 macbook pro blue

M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro: What to Expect

Wednesday February 25, 2026 3:02 pm PST by
Apple is working on a new MacBook Pro that could launch next week ahead of the "Special Experience" planned for March 4, so we thought we'd highlight all of the rumors about the device so far. Design There are no rumors of design changes, and we are expecting the upcoming M5 MacBook Pro models to look just like the M4 versions. Apple will continue to offer 14-inch and 16-inch size options,...

Top Rated Comments

randolorian Avatar
72 months ago
Just what Apple customers are asking for -- more ways to rent software.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
72 months ago
"...able to acquire, retain, and win back subscribers..."

The wording of this makes me feel like the dirty, cheap commodity that I am.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rogifan Avatar
72 months ago

Just what Apple customers are asking for -- more ways rent software.
Well it’s what Apple is asking for. They want developers on subscription models since they get a cut of it. 30% of a monthly fee is better than 30% of a one time purchase.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
72 months ago
What is this thing that they speak of, offline and "physical events". Are people still gathering together and *eek* handing things to other people?!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
72 months ago

Too bad the subscription model for software is here to stay 😞
I think the subscription model has a lot of advantages. The problem is, most developers aren’t pricing their apps appropriately given the new model. An app that might have cost $50 to buy is suddenly $50/year. It’s ridiculous. Developers need to get real and stop overcharging (I’m looking at you 1Password) or customers will continue to resist the subscription model.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
72 months ago

This is all free, right? I just get this for free?

Is Apple afraid of not earning enough...?!
[LIST=1]
* Apple continues to invest into Research and Development to make the App Store *better* for developers. This costs money.
* Developers complain about having to pay for new features and services.


Hey, I'm all for discussing adjustments to the 30%, but to expect Apple to operate without any revenues is unreasonable.

* Paid apps make revenue via store purchases.
* Free apps make revenue via ad impressions.
* Developers expect Apple to operate without revenues?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)