Are you tired of being limited by traditional in-app subscription models? If so, you're not alone. Many app developers struggle with the constraints of these models, particularly when it comes to gifting or sharing subscriptions with others. However, there is a way to overcome these limitations and create innovative app startup ideas that benefit both your users and your business.
One such solution involves enabling gifting of items eligible for in-app purchase, as specified by new guidelines. This allows users to purchase subscriptions on one device and share them with others, creating a more collaborative experience. For instance, an employee could purchase a subscription on their employer's behalf and then gift it to colleagues using separate devices.
To facilitate this kind of sharing, you can set up a credit system using consumable or non-renewing in-app purchases (IAPs). Once purchased, these IAPs can be exchanged or tokenized, allowing one user to "gift" the rights to another. For example, you could create a token that references a CloudKit record and cancels itself once used, ensuring it cannot be reused by multiple people.
Another approach is to use MCSession to wirelessly transfer subscription rights from the employer to an employee. This eliminates the need for users to purchase separate subscriptions or manage complex product combinations. For instance, you could sell consumable IAPs in bulk (e.g., 1000) and have them last for a set period (e.g., one day).
However, autorenewable subscriptions present a different challenge. To accommodate larger group sizes, you'd need to create multiple subscription products with varying seat counts (e.g., 1 seat, 2 seats, 4 seats, 8 seats). This would require users to purchase unusual combinations of subscriptions to achieve their desired outcome. Moreover, what if they wanted to add more seats later?
By embracing innovative in-app subscription models and leveraging technologies like CloudKit and MCSession, you can create app startup ideas that overcome these limitations and provide a seamless experience for your users. Whether you're looking to enable gifting or sharing subscriptions, there are creative solutions available to help you succeed.