Apple to Allow "Free Trials" for Mobile Games

A recent update to Apple's Store Review Guidelines will allow for time-based "free trials" for non-subscription based mobile apps.

Previously, such options were limited to subscription-based services. But according to the new guidelines, the feature has expanded to all app types.

"Non-subscription apps may offer a free time-based trial period before presenting a full unlock option by setting up a Non-Consumable IAP item at Price Tier 0 that follows the naming convention: '14-day Trial'. Prior to the start of the trial, your app must clearly identify its duration, the content or services that will no longer be accessible when the trial ends, and any downstream charges the user would need to pay for full functionality. Learn more about managing content access and the duration of the trial period using Receipts and Device Check."

While the idea of a timed free trial has been far more prevalent in business-style apps, this new guideline may mean an increased usage with mobile apps. A game could offer a 24-hour free trial, and be heavily designed to encourage coming back the next day. Should the game not provide much content beyond the first two days, players would end up investing in a game not worth their time. Similar situations were seen with Sea of Thieves and No Man's Sky.

Whether this will be implemented more in modern mobile games or not is uncertain. Only time will tell.