Apple has just taken mobile app development to the next level by introducing unified purchasing across Mac and iOS platforms. This revolutionary feature allows developers to create a single purchase option for their apps, which can be accessed on both iPad and Mac devices. In the past, developers had to offer separate purchases for each platform, but now they can unlock a seamless experience for their users.
With this update, developers can list their iPad app in the App Store and their Mac version in the Mac App Store. When a customer makes a purchase, it automatically unlocks the app on all platforms. This feature is particularly useful for developers who have created apps using Apple's Mac Catalyst framework, which allows them to easily create universal apps that run on both Mac and iOS devices.
To make this process seamless, developers simply need to change their Mac app's bundle identifier to match the one used by their iOS app. The App Store will then handle unifying the purchases, making it easy for users to access their purchased content across platforms.
This update also has implications for in-app purchases. For the first time, users can enjoy shared in-app purchases across iOS and Mac devices if the core app is unified. This means that developers can offer a more cohesive experience for their users, without having to worry about separate purchases or accounts.
To support these changes, Apple is recalibrating its App Store categories on both iOS and Mac platforms. This means that iOS apps can now be categorized into new "Developer Tools" and "Graphics & Design" sections. The Mac App Store is also adding categories for "Books", "Food & Drink", "Magazines & Newspapers", "Navigation", and "Shopping".
In related news, Apple has also announced the addition of StoreKit to native Watch apps in watchOS 6.2. This means that developers can now sell in-app purchases directly on the Apple Watch, providing a more comprehensive mobile app development experience.
With these updates, Apple is continuing to push the boundaries of what's possible with mobile app development. By offering seamless cross-platform purchasing and expanding its App Store categories, Apple is making it easier for developers to create engaging experiences that users will love.