Apple is now letting developers offer promotional codes for in-app purchases and not just app purchases.
Apple, the second largest smartphone making company, is offering developers a chance to give away free redemption codes for in-app purchases on its iOS platform. The move makes it easier for developers to give early app testers, reviewers and users to access the paid content within freemium apps at no charge. The new development in Apple's App Store was first spotted by iOS gaming news website 148Apps, Thursday, after EA Mobile started offering 10 free gold worth $1.99 in Real Racing 3.
Promo codes are traditionally offered by developers, but Apple reserved the right to only full-app purchases. By adding redemption codes to in-app purchases, both users and developers can end up on the benefitting side. Promo codes for in-app purchases can be used as a promotion for an app or game, similar to the way EA is offering with Real Racing 3. To avail 10 free gold from EA, users must visit the game's official website from their iOS devices and register the email address. The game publisher will then send an email with the code to claim the reward.
According to the game's website, the offer expires August 1 and requires the game to be installed on the device. If users try redeeming the code without installing the game, Real Racing 3 will be downloaded automatically, Mac Rumors reports.
Apple has not made the change official yet, as the company's developer site still states the lack of support of promo codes for in-app purchases.
In-app purchases, IAP, have long been a part of Apple's digital marketplace, since 2009. The Cupertino tech giant had some early hiccups with the offering, including the most recent settlement with FTC for casual parental controls that let children hike credit card bills.
