Apple announced that starting today (December 6), a major update to the app fee structure will allow developers to choose from 900 price points ranging from $0.10 to $10,000 in 175 storefronts and 45 currencies for their applications unless approved by Apple.
That’s almost 10 times more than most apps since the App Store launched in 2008. Pricing has also been improved in global App Stores, for example, developers can set one price for a country, but the price of their app will automatically change according to exchange rates around the world.
That means you’ll see fixed-price apps more often in different increments, independent of the ever-changing exchange rates that hit Apple TV in October.
In terms of subscription levels, the same improvements will be made starting today, but country-specific pricing will arrive in early 2023, and in-app purchases for apps will also be able to take advantage of these improvements starting early next year.
This is a huge win for developers, who have long demanded that these features be better priced for different regions. However, it’s also a win for owners of iPhones, Macs, and Apple’s other devices in terms of major updates and subscriptions for the next few years.
Building a better storefront for everyone
These improvements not only benefit developers, but also users of iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.We’ve seen some apps and subscriptions raise prices in the past Inflation like Apple Musicbut these new features can lock in prices regardless, while being able to set lower prices than previously allowed.
These enhanced price point options, such as smaller price increments of $0.10/£0.10/AU$0.10, can now be set by developers, so in-app purchases or subscriptions can benefit, especially when it comes to holiday deals year-round.
Apple confirmed to TechRadar that these price increases for in-app purchases will be rolling out in spring 2023, as they want to introduce the changes slowly since it’s a huge change for the store and its developers. However, since in-app purchases are such an important part of games outside of Apple Arcade, developers may feel they have to wait until next spring to take advantage of these improvements.
Regardless, this is a positive change for developers and users alike, as it gives developers more control over how their apps are priced, and those prices are no longer determined by ever-changing exchange rates around the world.
Apple’s VR headset is said to launch in 2023, and this could be a good chance for the company to get the App Store ready to release apps for the upcoming product, which could take advantage of these pricing improvements.
