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.
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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.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)The wording of this makes me feel like the dirty, cheap commodity that I am.
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.Just what Apple customers are asking for -- more ways rent software.
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.Too bad the subscription model for software is here to stay ?
This is all free, right? I just get this for free?
[LIST=1]Is Apple afraid of not earning enough...?!
* 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?