14 DAY TRIAL // Apple informed application developers on Monday that it has started rolling out a pre-order feature for apps in the App Store, which lets customers pre-order apps before they're released.
Previously available only in the iTunes Music and Movies Store, the pre-order feature is now also available for apps in the App Store on all of Apple's platforms, allowing customers to pre-order apps before they are released for download. The feature will also notify those who pre-ordered an app when it launches officially.
"You can now make your new apps available for pre-order on the App Store on all Apple Platforms," said Apple. "Customers can see your product page and order your app before it’s released for download. Once your app is released, customers will be notified and it will automatically download to their device."
With the new pre-order functionality, application developers can build excitement for your their new, upcoming apps by letting users know when it's coming. As of today, developers can start using the pre-order badges in their marketing materials, and on the product page on the App Store.
Pre-orders can only be used for new apps that were never published in the App Store when submitting apps and metadata for review in iTunes Connect. When using the pre-order feature, developers can choose a download release date from 2 to 90 days in the future, and customers would receive the app up to 24 hours after its release.
Discounted introductory prices now available as well
Apple also announced on Monday that application developers can now offer their new customers a discounted introductory price for their auto-renewable subscriptions on the App Store. The introductory pricing for subscriptions feature was implemented in the latest iOS 11.2 and macOS 10.13.2 High Sierra updates.
Developers interested in offering introductory pricing can now visit their in-app purchase page in iTunes Connect and start configuring the functionality via new API additions that Apple released as part of the iOS 11.2 and macOS 10.13.2 operating systems. Introductory pricing details can localized and display to your users.
