Apple’s App store allows auto-renewal of subscription apps when prices rise, sparking controversy

In Apple's App Store, those subscription-based applications always make users worry. When the note-taking software Nobility software planned to change from a buyout system to a subscription system, it caused a "uproar".

Unexpectedly, now Apple is also "eyeing" the subscription-based mechanism, and has announced the "update subscription notification" to all developers. The biggest change is the renewal mechanism of subscription-based applications.

Under the updated subscription model, developers can choose to automatically renew subscription price increases, subject to certain conditions and with advance notice to users, so that no user action is required and no service interruption is required. In other words, as long as the user does not cancel the subscription, even if the price of the app increases, it will "automatically renew".

Under such a subscription system, if developers raise prices indiscriminately, it is obviously disadvantageous to users. Therefore, this mechanism also has certain restrictions on developers. The specific condition is that the price increase does not exceed once a year, and the price increase does not exceed $5 and 50% of the subscription price, or $50 and 50% of the annual subscription price, and is subject to local laws.

In addition, Apple will notify users of price increases through emails, push notifications and in-app messages. Apple will also notify users how to view, manage and cancel subscriptions if they wish.

Although there are restrictions on developers, compared with the current subscription mechanism, it still seems to be "unfriendly" to users. Currently, when the price of an auto-renewing subscription increases, subscribers must opt-in before the price increase is applied. Subscribers who do not choose a new price will not renew in the next billing cycle.

In contrast, it will be found that the change in the subscription mechanism is to change the user's subscription initiative from "active subscription" to "active withdrawal". Although it can prevent some users from inadvertently interrupting certain services, for users who only have short-term needs for these subscription applications, it also inadvertently increases subscription costs and learning costs.

Judging from the change in the subscription model, Apple seems to be "troubling" users. But for developers, Apple's app update strategy for the App Store has also caused a lot of controversy.

App developers who have not updated in the past three years and have not reached the minimum download threshold (meaning the app has not been downloaded at all or have had very few downloads for 12 consecutive months) will receive an email notifying them that they have developed an App has been identified for possible removal from the App Store.

In order for the app to stay on the App Store, the App Store team will contact the developer and ask them to make any necessary changes, and the update must be submitted within the stipulated time. If changes cannot be made on time, the app will be removed from the App Store. Removed until the developer submits the update and gets approval.

Apps that crash on launch are immediately removed from the App Store.

Apple later stated that, in fact, as early as 2016, at the suggestion of developers, and to ensure a great user experience, Apple launched the App Store improvement process to remove those that no longer function as expected, do not follow current review guidelines or have been approved. Outdated application. Over the past few years, more than 2 million apps have been removed.

Apple has also changed some of the details of the plan, extending the time for developers to update affected apps from 30 days to 90 days.

Originally, if the app wanted to be put on the App Store, developers had to pay (RMB 688) to become a member of the "Apple Developer Program". However, due to various reasons, some developers cannot update on time, and their efforts will "disappear" from the App Store.

Although the app is still associated with the developer's account after it is removed from the App Store, current users can continue to use it. But for developers who spend money and laboriously, it seems to be "losing the wife and losing the army".

So in general this improvement is good for the user experience, but some developers think this solution is a bit harsh. Apple's App Store as a platform connecting developers and users, the best situation should be a win-win situation for all three parties.

But these successive changes make people wonder, the cost to users and developers seems to be higher, and the "real winner" seems to be the App Store.

#Welcome to pay attention to the official WeChat account of Aifaner: Aifaner (WeChat: ifanr), more exciting content will be brought to you as soon as possible.

Love Faner | Original link · View comments · Sina Weibo