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i still don't understand why apple won't introduce some sort of trial period for apps. they already have the code signing/drm framework in place and can contro

by there 18y ago

i still don't understand why apple won't introduce some sort of trial period for apps. they already have the code signing/drm framework in place and can control what can run and can't run on your iphone. how hard can it be to allow it to only run for x number of days like their downloadable itunes movies? and even without that framework, there are thousands of non-drm trial apps for mac os x, windows, and other phones that are time-limited and stop working after 30 days or 30 runs. i understand they are probably banking on the fact that users have to fork over money to try anything now, but can it really be that much more money than would be made by additional sales from users that now won't buy apps before they can try them?

tjr 18y ago
It seems they are relying on the developers to offer free "lite" versions of their applications in order to provide a "trial period" sort of thing. And I suspect this might be better overall for the developers. Consider, if you released an application that someone might plausibly only want to use for 30 days or less, and then have no more use for it. If Apple forced all non-free applications to have a 30-day trial period, then you may be losing out on many sales from people who only need your program for a short time. (E.g., a city travel guide for a one-week trip.) On the other hand, surely Apple could let the developer choose if they wish for their applications to participate in such a trial program or not.