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Coming changes to Apple's App Store

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Re: Coming changes to Apple's App Store

#2
"Part of that energy has been channeled into figuring out how to sell developers on subscription services, and not only that, but how to keep them keeping on with those subscriptions. Previously, only apps classified as news, cloud services, dating apps, or audio / video streaming apps could sell subscription content. Now it’s open to all product categories.

For the first year of a subscription Apple will maintain its 70 / 30 revenue share; after one year, the new 85 percent / 15 percent revenue share will kick in (applied per subscriber). The new app subscription model will roll out to developers this fall, though if app makers have subscribers they’ve already retained for a year, the new revenue split starts June 13th."

That's a big change.

Re: Coming changes to Apple's App Store

#3
post #2

"Part of that energy has been channeled into figuring out how to sell developers on subscription services, and not only that, but how to keep them keeping on with those subscriptions. Previously, only apps classified as news, cloud services, dating apps, or audio / video streaming apps could sell subscription content. Now it’s open to all product categories. For the first year of a subscription Apple will maintain it…

Also: "Apple is also going to start showing search ads for apps in its iOS App Store search results for the first time, something the company had previously resisted."

Re: Coming changes to Apple's App Store

#4
Interestingly Sketch app announced today they're changing to a subscription model soon. Sketch app abandoned Apple store last December. Looks like Sketch will be back to Mac App Store this fall.

It is sad that Apple only took action now, after years of requests and complains by indie developers. Now that app boom is over, I doubt this App Store changes will have any impact.

Re: Coming changes to Apple's App Store

#6
I wonder if this will further reinforce the notion of the "Dunbar's number of apps". In the sense that on a country-by-country basis, the disposable income of people could become the limiting factor affecting how many apps that users install.

If the supposed cognitive load of people for using apps is around 26-27, then is there an economic load that says that people will max at say--- $60/month--- in total app subscriptions in the US? And this number could change drastically for users in other countries based on fluctuating dollar values.

Re: Coming changes to Apple's App Store

#7
There are so many problems with the AppStore that need to be fixed and I hope atleast some are with these additions to the AppStore.

1. Fix app discovery

2. Fix app search before putting search ads. e.g. if your app name has a symbol in it searching by app name will NOT return your app in the search results.

3. App review times can be further reduced by automating the review process

4. Try it before you buy it option

5. Better UX

Re: Coming changes to Apple's App Store

#9
post #2

"Part of that energy has been channeled into figuring out how to sell developers on subscription services, and not only that, but how to keep them keeping on with those subscriptions. Previously, only apps classified as news, cloud services, dating apps, or audio / video streaming apps could sell subscription content. Now it’s open to all product categories. For the first year of a subscription Apple will maintain it…

Also: "Apple is also going to start showing search ads for apps in its iOS App Store search results for the first time, something the company had previously resisted."

I'm frankly shocked it took them this long. They have the #1 digital real estate for such advertising, and the amount of money being spent on advertising apps (particularly on FB) is staggering.

Unfortunately, from a user standpoint, this seems to be a disincentive to improve their horribly lacking search functionality.

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