How to Provide Free Time-Limited Trials in the App Store

Providing “lite” version of apps had been the strategy to provide free trials since the dawn of the App Store. However these reduced-functionality apps fall short on demonstrating its full capabilities, which in itself be ineffective in enticing the user to buy. Fortunately that is no longer the only option available for App Store apps.

Time-Limited in-App Purchase

What if you need to create a “holiday special” in-app purchase? The item would only be available at a limited period some time in the future. However those who have bought the item would be able to use it beyond the purchase-able period, including restoring purchases should they need it.

I want to let some non-consumable iAP items just be sold during a particular period of time. Also the user who purchased these items still can restore and use it after the time period has elapsed.

Creating time-based in-app purchases (iAP) can be difficult. First all iAPs would need to go through App Review, hence they would need to be available before your app is live. Second is that there’s practically no way for the app to differentiate the app review environment versus the actual production environment – nor does Apple want you to.

But what if I say it can be done? What if you can have a non-consumable iAP, pass it through app review, and only made it for sale only during a specific period in the future? Interested? read on.