Can I charge for access to an app outside of the App Store?

Question

ajzarn OP

Created Dec ’19

Replies 2

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I'm creating an app for an individual client (not associated with a company) who wants to charge for access to the app.
However, this client does not want to charge individual users for the app.
Ideally, an organization whose employees would use the app would pay for an access code and share said code with its employees. The app would then handle validation of this code once the app is downloaded.

I'm pretty sure it's against Apple's policies to do this. So my question is: is there any way to achieve this kind of pricing model without violating Apple's rules?

Answered by KMT in 397965022

You can sell your 'services' to your client, outside of the store, who can then sell that app to companies via Apple's B2B/VPP Program using the App Store. Those companies would then buy the app in quantities, and use redeem codes distributed to their employees who would not be charged for the app. Those companies can use Apple's new ABM.

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Answer 1

KMT OP

Dec ’19

Not sure what you mean they aren't associated with a company, but employees are the end users....

Sounds like you want to cut your own deal for selling projects, to someone who wants to resell your projects to companies that use their own enterprise accounts to distribute to their own employees. If that's the case, your deal is outside the store.

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Answer 2

PBK OP

Dec ’19

A different solution is the following:

Make the app free. Make it do very little, for free. Have a consumable IAP or a Non-renewing subscription IAP that serves to enable features. Have a code system (or use CloudKit) to transfer (gift) the IAP rights from one user to another user. The company would purchase the IAPs in quantity and gift them to their employees.

3.1.1

Apps may enable gifting of items that are eligible for in-app purchase to others. Such gifts may only be refunded to the original purchaser and may not be exchanged.

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