How can an iPhone app developer get compensation?

[nagromme]

I'm curious. Am I right that there's no good way for iPhone web-based app developers to sell their work? (And since all web-based apps require bandwidth/hosting expense, they will generally lose money?)

I know sites can demand a password as proof of payment, but apparently the iPhone doesn't (yet) remember passwords, so that's not good.

And I know sites can ask for voluntary donations, but that's risky since the donations might or might not pay for the bandwidth.

Am I missing any other options?

I have no apps of my own in mind; just wondering. Because if all iPhone apps require the developers to buy bandwidth and risk losing money, then it seems even MORE likely that Apple will have other development options coming the future. (Like locally-stored AJAX apps right on the phone, even.)

[bdj21ya]

Originally Posted by nagromme

I'm curious. Am I right that there's no good way for iPhone web-based app developers to sell their work? (And since all web-based apps require bandwidth/hosting expense, they will generally lose money?)

I know sites can demand a password as proof of payment, but apparently the iPhone doesn't (yet) remember passwords, so that's not good.

And I know sites can ask for voluntary donations, but that's risky since the donations might or might not pay for the bandwidth.

Am I missing any other options?

I have no apps of my own in mind; just wondering. Because if all iPhone apps require the developers to buy bandwidth and risk losing money, then it seems even MORE likely that Apple will have other development options coming the future. (Like locally-stored AJAX apps right on the phone, even.)

Couldn't you do something with cookies?

[StrongBad]

Originally Posted by bdj21ya

Couldn't you do something with cookies?

Cookies work just fine for storing user info on the iPhone, and I'd say subscription based apps are the best way to ensure you app stays profitable.

[Cleverboy]

Originally Posted by nagromme

I know sites can demand a password as proof of payment, but apparently the iPhone doesn't (yet) remember passwords, so that's not good.

Whoever told you this was very mistaken. Not ONLY does the iPhone "remember passwords" using cookies but it shouldn't have trouble with "sessions" either. I've been signed into a multitude of websites, including this one ONCE, able to return, automatically be signed-in, without any trouble whatsoever. The question you're asking is a bit loaded though. You're asking how an iPhone developer can distribute, effectively, a "paid app". There's a few levels to that answer.

Kudit seems to have a solution:
http://www.kudit.com/

There are many different approaches to this same solution, however...

~ CB

[nagromme]

Got it. So Safari doesn't remember passwords like Keychain, but if the SITE itself supports passwords in cookies, those will work.

Any methods other than cookies?

[DrMoray]

You've hit on a major issues with the iPhone "SDK" - there's no good way for developers make money off of their apps. Basic web based applications monetize basically one of three ways:

1 - Ads
2 - Donations
3 - Subscriptions

All three have their drawbacks when it comes to function or design and certainly when it comes to profit. When Apple releases a real SDK, then we'll see the quality applications come to life, but I don't see it happening before next year.