I have an existing multi-platform product (Android, BlackBerry, Windows, MS Outlook) that I am bringing to iOS and hopefully to OS X. Typically the Pro version of my app is used by people from multiple devices and computers: they would do some work from say the Windows app, sync, then open up the Android app from their tablets later, sync, do some work etc.
1. Is it OK to allow users a 'free trial' period of the iOS version of the app of say 14 days during which all the features are available but after the period expires request an upgrade to the Pro version via IAP? This is how my app works on all the other platforms and I would prefer to give users the chance to try out the full feature set for free. However in the App Store review guidelines section states
2.9. Apps that are "demo", "trial", or "test" versions will be rejected."
Yet I see other apps in the App Store who state that they are offering a trial period.
2. I have a sizeable user base and I would like to allow buyers with current (i.e. non-expired) Pro subscriptions to be able to active the Pro version of my app on iOS without paying anything additional. Is this permitted by App Store review guidelines or would i be forced to charge my existing customers via IAP to be compliant with the review guidelines? The existing purchases were made externally either through my products website or via Google Play.
What confuses me are the following two sections from the Review Guidelines which seem to be at odds in my case.
11.1 Apps that unlock or enable additional features or functionality with mechanisms other than the App Store will be rejected
11.4 Apps can read or play approved content (specifically magazines, newspapers, books, audio, music, video and cloud storage) that is subscribed to or purchased outside of the App, as long as there is no button or external link in the App to purchase the approved content. Apple will only receive a portion of revenues for content purchased inside the App
Am I allowed to provide an activation scene where users can enter their existing license key to activate the Pro version? I have a cetralized lisensing server which provides the licensing, the activation can be done wirelessly or in the background as well.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.