Mac App Store free version with in-app purchase to unlock

Question

Created Sep ’15

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I've seen some apps start using the model where they distribute a free version which will nag you or something else in order to get you to pay for an in-app purchase which unlocks the full version. The developer tool Dash does this and it's the only example I can think of right now.

It's always been the App Store policy to not allow non-fully functional versions so I'm curious what the limit is to how much I can annoy the user to purchase before getting rejected.

In the demo versions I distrubute on my own site I provide a fully functional version but it opens a splash screen on startup for 20 seconds and every 8 hours after that plus the big one, a purchase button in the menu bar or overlayed on the desktop.

Could I do something like this on the App Store now?

Thanks.

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Answer 1

xhruso00 OP

Oct ’15

I would say there has to be basic free functionality and in-apps to unlock advanced features. I am playing with the same idea to leave in-apps unlocked for first 24 hours after purchase (by checking the receipt) + offer discount to those who convert/pay in this period. But I don't know which reviewer I will encounter. So mostly it depends on the reviewer and you need to have patience dealing/negotiating with them.

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Answer 2

PBK OP

Oct ’15

I don't believe the criteria is "...not allow non-fully functional versions". I believe the restriction is to 'not allow non-functioning versions'. Lite versions have always been allowed as separate apps or as IAP-upgradable apps. There are many examples of 'fully functional for a trial period then revert to a Lite version' on the app store.

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