AppStore does not offer older versions to new customers

Question

Created Jul ’18

Replies 2

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We have an app that has been around for 4 years now. We have stopped targeteing older versions with updates - first iO6 to 7 and then iOS 9 to 10. The older versions work fine on the older devices and are available to customers, who have gotten the product (we sell hardware, the app is free.)

But new customers have a real issue if they cannot upgrade to iOS 10. We are getting calls every week about that. We used to be able to direct them to get the app on iTunes for macOs or Windows, but that option is gone.

Apple really should fix this. We have some unhappy people out there!

How do others vensors solve this? Any other ideas?

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Answer 1

ptclarke OP

Jun ’19

This is a good question. I would like to redevelop an app using SwiftUI and other features which require iOS13 but also continue to support and issue fixes for the current version of the app for as long as older versions of iOS are supported by Apple. At the moment I think the only way I could do this would be to publish the new version as a new app which would require completely new set up in the app store, possibly fall foul of the duplicate functionality rule and also reduce revenue as proceeds from 'new subscriptions' for existing customers would be lower.

1

Answer 2

HStriepe OP

Jun ’19

It used to be possible to use iTunes on macOS or Windows to get the app, then download the matching older version on iOS.

Apple stopped that, too.

1