Apple Changes In-App Subscription Guidelines, Removes Restrictions

Apple has changed its guidelines referring to in-app subscriptions, allowing developers more freedom over the prices they charge for content. The iPhone maker announced the wide availability of timed subscriptions for in-app content back in February, giving developers a new way to distribute their downloadable content. Game makers are able to use subscription plans to offer complete access to extra level sets, offer regular access to weekly song releases for a music game, or simply meter basic access to a games for a set period. However, the guidelines stated that any external subscriptions offered outside of the App Store must also be offered as an in-app purchase, and that the price of the subscription app must be equal or less than that of the external subscription. As reported by MacRumors, Apple has now altered its guidelines, removing this particular clause and giving developers complete control over the price of subscriptions, no matter if they already have an external subscription service set up or not. Apple will still take its standard 30 percent share of subscriptions made through the App Store or the app itself. App makers can keep the full proceeds from subscriptions made outside the app.