New policy by Apple allows for discounted in-app subscriptions

Since the dawn of the major mobile digital markets, the race to increase average revenue figures has led to a number of new advancements and techniques in the app development industry. In-app purchasing in particular is a tactic which has grown in popularity over recent years, with more app development companies looking to grab a slice of the $37 billion dollar pie. An average figure which is predicted to be reached by the end of 2017.

Recently, Apple has decided to provide more leeway and marketing freedom to developers operating on its App Store by offering a new feature which allows app developers to give discounts to users that are unsure whether to commit to buying the app permanently. This new concept has got developers and companies excited at the prospect of enticing in more new users by offering them an extended trial of their app.

Until now, there have only been two main pricing options for app developers and brands entering the mobile app market: free and full price. This has made it relatively hard for those offering paid apps to entice new users to take the plunge and spend their money. Outside of that, the only way for potential users to test out apps has been to take advantage of a one-time free trial. Although this has helped to incentivise a number of mobile app subscription services, this new development from Apple promises to take it a step further.

It will soon be possible for app developers to offer a discounted subscription rate in order to entice more users to purchase their product. Upon subscribing, the app will have auto-pay turned on which means that the user will be automatically enrolled into a regular payment scheme which can be opted out of if they realise the app is not for them. This is a win-win scenario for app developers and users.

Being able to offer more than a free trial means that developers and app companies operating on the App Store can provide a more in-depth service at a reasonable price in order to give potential customers a better sense of what to expect if they commit to subscribing. The move is also aimed towards expanding Apple’s digital revenue streams and increasing the amount of income through App Store purchases which should, in turn, result in further developments and advancements such as this.