14 DAY TRIAL // Every now and then Apple aggregates certain types of apps and makes a special category just for those titles, ensuring that people who are specific about their demands have a place to go and make the most of what the App Store has to offer.
What you see is what you get
It’s the case with Apple’s newly debuted Pay Once & Play section, which is arguably the most honest area in the App Store when it comes to games. This because all the titles listed there are completely void of any in-app purchases. What you see is what you get.
Apple offers a brief introduction to the category, saying, “Enjoy hours of uninterrupted fun with complete experiences spanning the App Store’s most beloved genres. Packed with thrills and unforgettable moments, these powerhouse games belong in every collection.”
Freemium equals controversy
The in-app purchase model, also referred to as freemium, has been riddled with mishaps ever since its inception. Most of the controversy centered around accidental purchases made by kids, for which Apple actually had to cough up compensation money to keep a lid on the situation.
A second precaution to further avoid confusion between free and not-so-free was taken last year when the Cupertino giant replaced the Free moniker with Get.
The problems surrounding the in-app purchase mechanism is actually rooted deeply into the App Store’s humble beginnings, when Steve Jobs reluctantly decided to keep free trials and demos out of the venue.
Developers quickly thought up a new way to monetize their apps by almost all of the free games offered in the App Store began to feature in-app purchases. Apple also ensures that everyone knows what they’re downloading by listing an app’s most popular IAPs in its very description, under the system requirements.
It is unclear whether the new Pay Once & Play section will be permanent or it will permanently stay up in the carousel at the top of the venue, or even if it will receive constant updates.