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Some iOS developers are using in-app purchases to provide support for trial periods. For example, a fitness app named "Sweat with Kayla"[1] (apparently a renow
by jamesk_au 11y ago
Some iOS developers are using in-app purchases to provide support for trial periods.
For example, a fitness app named "Sweat with Kayla"[1] (apparently a renowned female personal trainer) is currently featured prominently at the top of the front page of the Australian App Store.
The app description states:
Sweat with Kayla is free to download. All consumers are welcome to a free 7-day trial period. Should you choose to continue use of the Sweat with Kayla app, we offer a single auto-renewing subscription option:
Just $4.61/week
($19.99/month)
Is that trial period contrary to the App Store Review Guidelines?[2] Clause 2.9 says: "Apps that are "demo", "trial", or "test" versions will be rejected." Strictly speaking, "Sweat with Kayla" might be a "full" version, because you get the whole thing (at least for seven days).
On the other hand, clause 11.9 says: "Apps containing content or services that expire after a limited time will be rejected, except for specific approved content (e.g. films, television programs, music, books)." Perhaps Apple takes a broad approach to this clause and Kayla's workouts and food plans were seen to be sufficiently close to the named examples of "specific approved content" to pass muster. It would be surprising if Apple had decided to feature the app without reading its description.
Interestingly, the most favourable feedback left by those who have posted reviews for "Sweat with Kayla" appears to be gratitude for the trial period, which saved reviewers from paying anything before deleting it.
[1] https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/sweat-with-kayla/id1049234587 https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/sweat-with-kayla/id104923458...
[2] https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/ https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]
- tadfisher 11y agoThe "7-day trial period" makes me assume they have indeed passed muster, as that is the minimum-length content subscription period: > Content subscriptions using IAP must last a minimum of 7 days and be available to the user from all of their iOS devices
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]
- gurkendoktor 11y agoI think subscription-based apps have always been able to offer a free trial period, but you cannot require a one-time paid upgrade to the full version after X days.
- jamesk_au 11y agoI'm afraid that doesn't make much sense to me. If requiring a one-time paid upgrade after X days is prohibited, why would requiring multiple paid upgrades after X days be allowed? If you happen to know of any sources for that policy or any examples, I'd be interested in seeing them. It's possible to offer a free trial as part of an auto-renewable subscription,[1] but that scenario is different to the app ceasing to function X days after you've downloaded it. [1] https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/LanguagesUtilities/Conceptual/iTunesConnectInAppPurchase_Guide/Chapters/CreatingInAppPurchaseProducts.html https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/Langua...
- gurkendoktor 11y agoI am not sure if you aren't answering your own question? It doesn't really make sense, but subscription-based apps can offer a free trial. It doesn't seem to be limited to categories like music and video either, because my current banking app (iOutbank) has offered me a free trial before I have to start a subscription. Non-subscription apps cannot offer a free trial period because of §11.9: "Apps containing content or services that expire after a limited time will be rejected, except for specific approved content (e.g. films, television programs, music, books)"