Apple Introduces Subscription Codes for Developers

Apple today informed developers about an upcoming Subscription Code feature that's designed to allow developers to offer up discounted or free auto-renewable subscriptions to lure customers.

apple developer banner

Later this year, you'll be able to acquire, retain, and win back subscribers with subscription offer codes: unique, alphanumeric codes that provide free or discounted prices for auto-renewable subscriptions. Provide your one-time use codes digitally or offline at physical events, alongside products, and more. Customers on iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 and later can redeem offer codes on the App Store, through a one-time code redemption URL, or within your app if you've implemented the presentCodeRedemptionSheet API.

Apple says that developers can give customers unique, alphanumeric codes that are one time use, provided at digital or physical events, alongside products, and more. Subscription codes are an iOS and iPadOS 14 feature and are coming later this year.

More information about Subscription Codes can be found on Apple's developer website.

Popular Stories

iOS 19 Mock WWDC25 Feature

iOS 19 Expected to Run on These iPhones

Monday March 31, 2025 5:28 pm PDT by
iOS 19 will not be available on the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or the iPhone XS Max, according a private account on social media site X that has accurately provided information on device compatibility in the past. The iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max all have an A12 Bionic chip, so it looks like iOS 19 will discontinue support for that chip. All other iPhones that run iOS 18 are expected...
maxresdefault

Apple Releases iOS 18.4 With Priority Notifications, Ambient Music, New Emoji and More

Monday March 31, 2025 10:03 am PDT by
Apple today released iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, the fourth major updates to the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 operating system updates that came out last year. iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 come two months after Apple released iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to...
watchOS 11 Thumb 2 1

Apple Releases watchOS 11.4 With Sleep Alarm Update

Tuesday April 1, 2025 10:34 am PDT by
Apple today released watchOS 11.4, the fourth major update to the operating system that runs on the Apple Watch. watchOS 11.4 is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 and later, all Apple Watch Ultra models, and the Apple Watch SE 2. watchOS 11.4 can be downloaded on a connected iPhone by opening up the Apple Watch app and going to General > Software Update. To install the new software,...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Monday March 31, 2025 11:27 am PDT by
Apple today released new firmware updates for all AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 models. The new firmware is version 7E93, up from the 7B21 firmware that was installed on the AirPods Pro 2 and the 7B20 firmware available on the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC. It is not immediately clear what new features or changes are included in the new firmware, but we'll update this article should we find ...
iPhone 17 Pro 34ths Perspective

iPhone 17 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 10 New Features

Sunday March 23, 2025 10:00 am PDT by
While the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are not expected to launch until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models as of March 2025: Aluminum frame: iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an aluminum frame, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models have a titanium frame, and the iPhone ...
macOS Sequoia Feature

Apple Releases macOS Sequoia 15.4 With Mail Categorization and More

Monday March 31, 2025 10:04 am PDT by
Apple today released macOS Sequoia 15.4, the fourth major update to the macOS Sequoia operating system that launched in September. macOS Sequoia 15.4 comes two months after the launch of macOS Sequoia 15.3. Mac users can download the ‌‌macOS Sequoia‌‌ update through the Software Update section of System Settings. It is available for free on all Macs able to run macOS 15. With...

Top Rated Comments

randolorian Avatar
60 months ago
Just what Apple customers are asking for -- more ways to rent software.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
filchermcurr Avatar
60 months ago
"...able to acquire, retain, and win back subscribers..."

The wording of this makes me feel like the dirty, cheap commodity that I am.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rogifan Avatar
60 months ago

Just what Apple customers are asking for -- more ways rent software.
Well it’s what Apple is asking for. They want developers on subscription models since they get a cut of it. 30% of a monthly fee is better than 30% of a one time purchase.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dvanwinkle Avatar
60 months ago
What is this thing that they speak of, offline and "physical events". Are people still gathering together and *eek* handing things to other people?!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rwxx Avatar
60 months ago

Too bad the subscription model for software is here to stay ?
I think the subscription model has a lot of advantages. The problem is, most developers aren’t pricing their apps appropriately given the new model. An app that might have cost $50 to buy is suddenly $50/year. It’s ridiculous. Developers need to get real and stop overcharging (I’m looking at you 1Password) or customers will continue to resist the subscription model.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
coolfactor Avatar
60 months ago

This is all free, right? I just get this for free?

Is Apple afraid of not earning enough...?!
[LIST=1]
* Apple continues to invest into Research and Development to make the App Store *better* for developers. This costs money.
* Developers complain about having to pay for new features and services.


Hey, I'm all for discussing adjustments to the 30%, but to expect Apple to operate without any revenues is unreasonable.

* Paid apps make revenue via store purchases.
* Free apps make revenue via ad impressions.
* Developers expect Apple to operate without revenues?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)