Apple has launched a new feature allowing users to preorder apps. Apple’s new preorder apps feature is detailed in a new iTunes Connect Resource and Help document, which was first spotted by MacStories. The document suggests that the developers will be able to “make new apps available for pre-order on all Apple platforms.”
Preorder apps – good for developers
Apple has mentioned certain steps which the developers need to follow to put up their apps for preorder. The developers would get to see the pricing and availability section of iTunes Connect to choose from, and to “make available for pre-order,” and submit an app for review. Developers can list their app for preorder, but the release date should be at least two days later and not more than 90 days. Preorders would run for both free and paid apps.
After a user has preordered the app, it would automatically be downloaded on the launch date. For the paid apps, the charge would be deducted before the downloading starts, and not during the preorder, notes MacRumors. Offering the app for preorders would help developers identify the early interest of customers, and thus, manage the app before the launch date and address server issues, if any.
“Now you can make your new apps available for pre-order on all Apple platforms. Customers can see your product page and order your app before it’s released for download. Once your app is released, customers will be notified and your app will automatically download to their device. For paid apps, customers will be charged before download,” reads the Apple document.
New titles like Playdead’s Inside and Annapurna’s Gorogoa are available on the App Store as a new listing. However, both are yet to be available for download, rather users can now preorder both of the games, notes TouchArcade.
Other useful features for developers
Other than the preorder apps feature, Apple also launched various new features for Sales and Trends. On Monday, Apple also allowed developers to offer the introductory offers and the auto renewable subscription of the App Store. The new feature would allow developers to offer free trials to users for a limited period, or enable the service for new customers at discounted rates. More developers can now start offering the subscription-based games as the new feature lowers the barrier of entry without denting the revenue, notes TouchArcade.
Under the new model, a user can select from two available options. The first is the pay-as-you-go model, where the new customers would get the apps and titles for a discounted rate for a few months. The second option would be to pay an upfront fee, where users can pay a discounted flat fee for a specific time limit, and once they decide to renew the service, the full price is to be paid.
In separate news, a fake cryptocurrency wallet app made its way to the iOS Store. The app, which has been priced around $4.99, skyrocketed to the number three spot in Finance apps. This indicates that a lot of people have already paid for the wallet. However, after TechCrunch reported about the app, it was removed from the store. After the news broke, genuine MyEtherWallet.com tweeted that they have contacted Apple over the issue.
