Apple Lets Developers Know That Universal Purchase for Mac Apps is Now Available

[MacRumors]

macOS versions of apps can now be included as part of a universal purchase, which allows customers to purchase a single app (or in-app purchase) that works across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.

Apple says that developers can get ready to use the feature by assigning a single bundle ID for apps in Xcode and setting up their app record for universal purchase using App Store Connect.

A single purchase option for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS apps was added in the Xcode 11.4 beta, which was first released in February. After developers have implemented single purchase options, customers will be able to buy one app that works across all of their Apple devices.

With the option to make a purchase of an app that works on all devices, Apple is unifying the categories in the iOS App Store and macOS App Stores, so there will be minor changes coming to the categories available in Apple's App Stores.

Article Link: Apple Lets Developers Know That Universal Purchase for Mac Apps is Now Available

 

[mward333]

I guess this is the beginning of true integration across these OS's.

 

[goobot]

I wonder how many apps will even do this considering I’m sure they would rather make you buy the app 5 separate times.

 

[JosephAW]

Yes but will probably require Catalina, iOS 13 and Watch 6

Or more likely any device 2 years old or newer.

 

[Astonish_IT]

I wonder how many apps will even do this considering I’m sure they would rather make you buy the app 5 separate times.

I imagine that the bundle price will be higher than a single purchase and some people may be who would have bought it only for the mac, if they have a mobile device, they may say for the extra 3-5 dollars "you know, i will buy the bundle, i may use it on the ipad too, someday" so this way, it may open a new market to the developpers.

 

[4jasontv]

Welcome to the new reality of free and low cost Mac/iOS universal apps that require in app purchases on every device.

 

[JosephAW]

When Apple rolls out the ARM desktops and laptops I imagine that's when they will close the ability to run third party apps. Only allow apps from the store then.

 

[martyjmclean]

I wonder how many apps will even do this considering I’m sure they would rather make you buy the app 5 separate times.

We already know Things won't give up that $126 for seperate macOS, iOS and iPadOS apps.

When Apple rolls out the ARM desktops and laptops I imagine that's when they will close the ability to run third party apps. Only allow apps from the store then.

You've* been saying this since 2010 and there's still no sign of macOS running only App Store-authorised apps. Apple have even said time and time again this is never happening.

 

[loon3y]

lol, you can see it now.

Universal App with In-App purchases to use on multiple devices


😂

 

[AxiomaticRubric]

About damn time.

 

[melgross]

I proposed something similar to this years ago. This isn’t quite as integrated, but it’s a beginning.

 

[az431]

When Apple rolls out the ARM desktops and laptops I imagine that's when they will close the ability to run third party apps. Only allow apps from the store then.

nice try

 

[G5isAlive]

Welcome to the garden

 

[LeonardXW]

well, I wish GoodNotes 5 to have this bundle. They have macOS and iOS version of GoodNotes 5, and are selling at USD 7.99 each. I wish they could make a bundle. Probably USD 10 for both version.

I have iOS version already, so I wish to top up a little bit to get a macOS version.
I need macOS version for cross referencing while writing on iPad. Lazy to export everytime.

 

[nitramluap]

Well I’d love to implement this with my App which has had a Catalyst version out now for 6 months. Unfortunately, this Catalyst App was REQUIRED to have a different Bundle ID to the iOS version... so now what?

How can I change the bundle ID to match the iOS one without pissing off all my current users and having them lose data? A migration plan would be appreciated Apple... :-/

 

[Smigit]

I wonder how many apps will even do this considering I’m sure they would rather make you buy the app 5 separate times.

Same could be said for iOS universal apps. Not all developers got on board but many chose to.

 

[So@So@So]

There are too many caveats with this feature right now:

1. you can set only one price (so the iOS version needs to become pricier)
2. you need to set the same bundle identifier for both apps, developers that already have an iOS and macOS app would probably end to duplicate apps (meaning multiple app reviews for each update) so that old customers continue to get updates.

For developers a macOS versions means extra effort (even with catalyst which requires macOS Catalina) for coding, documentation, website, support and marketing - this means: the iOS and macOS app for the price of the iOS app may not happen. Many iPhone customers use Windows Desktops - they don't want to spend extra money for an included macOS app.

From a developers perspective it would have made more sense if Apple would just allow cross platform app bundles.

 

[Abazigal]

There are too many caveats with this feature right now:

1. you can set only one price (so the iOS version needs to become pricier)
2. you need to set the same bundle identifier for both apps, developers that already have an iOS and macOS app would probably end to duplicate apps (meaning multiple app reviews for each update) so that old customers continue to get updates.

For developers a macOS versions means extra effort (even with catalyst which requires macOS Catalina) for coding, documentation, website, support and marketing - this means: the iOS and macOS app for the price of the iOS app may not happen. Many iPhone customers use Windows Desktops - they don't want to spend extra money for an included macOS app.

From a developers perspective it would have made more sense if Apple would just allow cross platform app bundles.

I guess one concern is for people who have an iPhone but not a Mac (which is the majority). Am I expected to pay extra if I just want the iPhone app and won't benefit from there being a Mac or even iPad app?

For someone who is deeply invested in the apple ecosystem, I can see the allure (say Fantastical in an alternate universe who decided to embrace this model instead of going subscription), but that's still more the exception than the norm.