subscriptions | Cult of Mac

Apple makes it easy for devs to offer discounted app subscriptions

By Ed Hardy • 3:37 pm, September 2, 2020

News

Subscription offer codes could turn this crown into potential customers. — This crowd is potential customers that could be wooed with easily redeemable discounts on App Store subscriptions.
*Photo: Cameron Casey/Pexels CC*

It will soon be possible for developers to give out codes to customers that bring discounts on subscription fees for software or services in the Apple App Store. The goal is to help app creators “acquire, retain, and win back subscribers” with these one-time use codes that people can then easily redeem, according to Apple.

Security firm finds sketchy ‘fleeceware’ apps in iOS App Store

By David Pierini • 2:00 pm, April 9, 2020

News

app-store — The App Store may not always be impervious to "Fleeceware."
*Photo: Apple*

A cyber-security firm in the United Kingdom has identified 32 iOS apps that it dubs “fleeceware” for subscriptions and in-app fees that amount to a form of online fraud.

More than 3.5 million iOS users installed the apps, most of which were image editors, QR and barcode scanners, horoscope and fortune-telling apps and face filters for selfies. Two astrology apps making the list are among the first 20 in top-grossing iPhone apps in the UK.

YouTube TV cancels all App Store subscriptions

By Ed Hardy • 2:40 pm, February 13, 2020

News

YouTube in Safari on iMac Pro — YouTube TV is making some customers jump through hoops to keep their subscriptions.
*Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac*

Everyone who subscribed to YouTube TV via Apple’s App Store got a notice today that their subscriptions will be canceled next month. They’ll have to resubscribe on the YouTube website.

How to stop all those App Store subscription-renewal emails

By Charlie Sorrel • 8:35 am, February 12, 2020

If you have any App Store subscriptions, you will be familiar with the emails you get every time one renews. And if you subscribe to more than a few monthly plans, then maybe you even get annoyed by them. If your tolerance to this kind of thing is particularly low, we have good news for you: You can now opt out of App Store subscription-renewal emails that Apple sends.

PSA: Today may be your last day to claim free Apple TV+ subscription

By Ed Hardy • 9:35 am, January 30, 2020

Apple TV+ plays on Mac, iPhone, iPad, etc. — A single Apple TV+ subscription can be played on a wide variety of Apple computers.
*Photo: Apple*

A free year of Apple TV+ goes to everyone who buys a new iPhone, Mac or iPad. But time to sign up for this deal is running out for those who made their purchase just before the launch of Apple’s streaming video service.

Animal Crossing is getting a paid subscription with new goodies

By Luke Dormehl • 7:45 am, November 18, 2019

News

Nintendo introduces 2 paid subscriptions for Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp — Get ready to pay up!
*Photo: Nintendo*

Nintendo is getting ready to introduce paid memberships to its game, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp.

The paid features will let you, “appoint one lucky animal as your camp caretaker and get some extra help around the campsite” and “receive fortune cookies and store your furniture and clothing items in warehouses.”

How to share an Apple TV+ subscription with your family

By Charlie Sorrel • 11:00 am, November 12, 2019

Share Apple TV+ — Apple hopes the package will boost subscriber numbers.
*Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac*

Apple TV+ has turned out to be pretty good. Certainly, it’s a lot better than critics claimed. So, you may even want to share the shows with your family. And, thanks to Apple’s Family Sharing, this is not only possible, but easy.

You can all watch different shows at the same time, or you can just enjoy the lazy convenience of catching the latest episode of The Morning Show on whoever’s device is nearest. Let’s see how to share your Apple TV+ subscription with your family.

Heads up: Apple Arcade free trial subscriptions expire soon

By Ed Hardy • 12:00 pm, October 17, 2019

Everyone who signed up for a free trial of Apple Arcade when this gaming service launched is about to be charged for their first month. The 80+ titles currently available give plenty of options, but anyone who hasn’t warmed up to it should drop out before they get their first bill.

Fortunately, iOS makes this a snap.

Apple adds ‘grace period’ for subscription app bills

By Ed Hardy • 4:15 pm, September 12, 2019

News

App Store shopping credit card — Your app subscriptions won‘t be cut off if you forget to tell Apple about your new credit card.
*Photo: Artem Beliaikin/Pexels CC*

Apple will no longer immediately cut off subscriptions if there’s a problem with the payment method. Users will have a “grace period” to continue using the service or application while Apple contacts them about renewing it.

Why app subscriptions are taking over (and how to cope) [Video]

By Ian Fuchs • 11:00 am, May 13, 2019

Over the last couple years, tons of iOS apps switched from one-time purchases to monthly or annual subscriptions. As a user, this can seem frustrating — or annoying even — but it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

The rise of app subscriptions brings benefits to users, developers and the app ecosystem as a whole. Whether you’re subscribing to your favorite weather app, task manager or podcast player, the subscription model offers perks that never existed in the one-time-purchase world of apps.