Trial period & in-app purchase

Question

ace.neerav OP

Created May ’20

Replies 6

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Is it possible to keep a trial period for a feature then require a one time in-app purchase - instead of subscription?

Answered by PBK in 418614022

> Is it possible to keep a trial period for a feature then require a one time in-app purchase - instead of subscription?

Yes, why not - this doesn't violate any guidelines. In fact here is the last bullet point in 3.1.1:

Non-subscription apps may offer a free time-based trial period before presenting a full unlock option by setting up a Non-Consumable IAP item at Price Tier 0 that follows the naming convention: “XX-day Trial.” Prior to the start of the trial, your app must clearly identify its duration, the content or services that will no longer be accessible when the trial ends, and any downstream charges the user would need to pay for full functionality. Learn more about managing content access and the duration of the trial period using Receipts and Device Check.

Or, if you want, you can create the 'trial period' yourself by recording the time of purchase of the app. It might be best to record something in the user's keychain or, if you want to be real careful, in the user's iCloud or CloudKit space. Then when the time is up require an IAP.

Of course, the app still has to function at some level when this time period is up.

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Answer 1

cmb94 OP

May ’20

No

0

Answer 2

PBK OP

May ’20

Accepted Answer

> Is it possible to keep a trial period for a feature then require a one time in-app purchase - instead of subscription?

Yes, why not - this doesn't violate any guidelines. In fact here is the last bullet point in 3.1.1:

Non-subscription apps may offer a free time-based trial period before presenting a full unlock option by setting up a Non-Consumable IAP item at Price Tier 0 that follows the naming convention: “XX-day Trial.” Prior to the start of the trial, your app must clearly identify its duration, the content or services that will no longer be accessible when the trial ends, and any downstream charges the user would need to pay for full functionality. Learn more about managing content access and the duration of the trial period using Receipts and Device Check.

Or, if you want, you can create the 'trial period' yourself by recording the time of purchase of the app. It might be best to record something in the user's keychain or, if you want to be real careful, in the user's iCloud or CloudKit space. Then when the time is up require an IAP.

Of course, the app still has to function at some level when this time period is up.

0

Answer 3

ace.neerav OP

May ’20

Can the price tier only be Tier 0? If i understand you correctly... naming convention has to be: “XX-day Trial.” The time period has to be identified and mentioned. Cross check with receipts to see if the in-app purchase has been made. Provide and keep active, basic functionality.

0

Answer 4

ace.neerav OP

May ’20

Which guidelines are these? Can you post a link please?

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Answer 5

ace.neerav OP

May ’20

Got the link... https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#in-app-purchase

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Answer 6

PBK OP

May ’20

A non-consumable IAP can't 'expire' except for this one exception introduced recently. Before that you had to roll-your-own. They made it 'simplier' by creating this IAP. This IAP may have a security flaw in it that allows a user to switch to a new App Store Id, delete and reinstall the app and purchase a second 'free trial'. "Device Check", the keychain, CloudKit or iCloud key-value file are your friends to avoid this - or just forget about it.

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