One of my favorite things to do on my phone is search the App Store. I enjoy seeing what new releases are out, what apps might be discounted, and what apps I should add to my wish list. I often download an app to try it out just because I can easily see that it’s free. Apple’s new rules will block App developers from putting price information in the titles of their app.
This change means that apps that produce a free version won’t be able to use the title to illicit more installs. The game of making money through mobile app development has taken many turns over the past several years. You may have noticed that most of the top grossing apps are considered “Freemium” which means downloads are free but they sell content to you within the app. Having FREE in the title has long been a useful strategy for this type of software. Eliminating the price in the title could decrease the number of downloads for these apps and in turn, they’re revenue.
Please remove any references to your app’s price from your app’s name, including any references to your app being free or discounted. If you would like to advertise changes to your app’s price, it would be appropriate to include this information in the app description. – App Store Submission Rejection Notice
These changes will immediately affect new apps being submitted to the App Store. There is no word if changes will be required for apps that are already listed in the store.
What Parents Should Know
We have all started to get used to the freemium model of app development and how to educate our kids about it. This update could change a few things. First of all it may not be as easy for younger kids to know if the app they’re looking at is free or costs something. Of course the price is listed right next to the app but this wouldn’t be the first time a kid accidentally spent some of their parent’s money.
Secondly, if developers aren’t gaining more installs they may be required to raise prices on their in app purchases. This would mean that apps you may pay a little bit for would cost you extra. Alternatively, you could end up with fewer freemium apps and more that just charge you upfront for initial access.
Whatever the result of these changes by the Apple App Store, the most important thing is, as always, that your children understand what has happened and know how to navigate the store properly. Teach them that money spent in these apps is often real money and usually your money. Set up your parental controls so that they have to ask permission to install anything. This will help you keep your money safe as well as your children.