Subscription-only app representation

Question

Created Nov ’18

Replies 5

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We have a subscription-only app ($1.99/year), set up as an in-app purchase, auto-renewing, with a 3-day free trial. There is no free content after the free trial period. This all seems to be a legitimate business model in the App Store universe. The app was approved and is in the App Store.

What bothers me is that the App Store listing shows the app as "Free * Offers In-App Purchases", which doesn't really seem to capture the spirit of the pricing model... a subscription is required.

Is there any way to configure the pricing to reflect the above more clearly in the App Store listing?

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Answer 1

KMT OP

Nov ’18

I get your point, but I'd also speculate that users know what it means, and there isn't much point in your taking separate steps to educate them. Your's isn't the only app in the store wearing such adornment, after all.

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Answer 2

PBK OP

Nov ’18

I don't believe your model is actually "a legitimate business model" for the App Store. I believe that if App Review realized that without the IAP your app doesn't function they would have rejected it. All Apps have to function in some way, perhaps only as a 'lite' app explaining what the app would do if the user purchased the IAP. The 'free trial' IAP is a free trial for the IAP not for the app. Yours is trying to be a free trial for the app and that is not allowed on the App Store.

This issue was discussed extensively on the forum when the 'free trial' IAP was first created by Apple.

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Answer 3

shocka OP

Nov ’18

I have two apps on the App Store with this kind of business model. I believe that it works because of the free trial that allows functionallity to every user.

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Answer 4

medyator OP

Dec ’18

I have the same problem, also entegrated with website Medyatör webview project.

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Answer 5

PBK OP

Dec ’18

When App Review reviewed your app are you certain that they realized that after the review period the app would no longer function at all unless the user made the IAP purchase? Did you indicate this in your notes to App Review?

If so, I stand corrected; thank you.

If not - you can't be certain "that it works because of the free trial that allows functionallity to every user." You might be concerned that you are unintentionally violating 2.3.1 of the guidelines or perhaps even 3.2(f) of the developers agreement.

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