Apple is turning the App Store upside down and is now making significantly lower entry-level prices possible. However, Apple has also shifted the upper end of the scale significantly.
At the beginning of next year, the usual price structure in Apple’s App Store will change dramatically. Developers who offer software there have significantly more options for determining the prices for their apps. Apple speaks of around 700 so-called price points that will also be available in the future. For customers, this means changes in both directions: From January there will be apps starting at 29 cents, while other programs can cost up to 12,000 euros.
Luxury apps only after consultation with Apple
Apps up to ten euros can be priced in 10-cent increments, up to 50 euros in 50-cent increments. Apple writes that around 100 price points at the upper end of the scale, i.e. especially the maximum prices of up to 12,000 euros, are only available on request. If an app is to be particularly expensive, this must be clarified with Apple. Maybe they want to curb fun apps and fraud.
As “ifun” notes, no so-called “upgrade prices” are still possible as part of the change. This is an often desired alternative to the many subscription models that have established themselves in the App Store. With an “upgrade price” it would be possible to charge users for major updates again – and give them the choice of whether they want to go along with it once or not. To date, this is not possible in the App Store, so some developers publish an app several times or opt for a subscription model.
Flat prices possible for the first time
What is new is the possibility for developers to demand smooth prices or to end up with 90 or 95 cents. So it will be possible to offer apps for 5 euros, 1.90 euros or 3.95 euros.
While nothing will change for consumers for the time being, except that certain apps could become cheaper – or more expensive – the upgrade is intended to give developers more freedom and simplify reactions to exchange rate fluctuations.
