Apple sent some emails today containing good news, especially to developers. In-app purchases are now being permitted in free apps.
Why is this good news? You can now download, say, a news content app which will allow you to test out the interface and content without shelling a few bucks. Then if you decided that you liked it, then you can choose to pay for more premium content.
The problem before was that because in-app purchases weren’t allowed on free apps. Users had to pay for apps that didn’t have any content whatsoever and didn’t do anything useful, and then shell out some cash again to get the content.
“In App Purchase is being rapidly adopted by developers in their paid apps,” Apple wrote in the letter. “Now you can use In App Purchase in your free apps to sell content, subscriptions, and digital services.”
With this new development, something’s telling me business is definitely going to pick up as more people will be convinced to try out apps (who wouldn’t? They’re free after all :)) thus opening up greater market opportunities.
And with this new option, I can just imagine the big smiles plastered on the developer’s faces right about now. 😉
Source: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/10/in-app-commerce/
