Mac App Store and Lite version of my app

Targets macOS
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This may not apply to the Mac App Store, but I have seen it on the App Store.

When a “lite” app has an upgrade button that brings to a separate product, the overall visibility of the app is much higher.
The free app is listed in Top free apps, and the paid app is listed in Top paid apps.

You could also use different keywords for both apps to improve search visibility.

This works really well for Ski Tracks app which makes ~$20k per month in winter.
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/ski-tracks-lite/id368024976?mt=8 (#100 in Navigation)
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/ski-tracks/id365724094?mt=8 (#5 in Navigation)

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Was just reading more about the Free Trial option on the App Store, and a couple of things stuck in my mind.

  1. Without a subscription, it’s a 14-Day FREE trial (half the industry standard).
  2. With a subscription, it’s as long as you want. However I am opposed to this method; because when the user accepts the FREE trial, they are already enrolled in the subscription, unless they explicitly cancel the subscription, they will get charged. I understand this is how it ‘works’ for most subscriptions, but with apps it’s far too easy to accidentally enter into one and cause a lot of frustration for your potential customers. I’ve heard stories of people even avoiding IAP apps on the App Store because they got ‘scammed’.
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This is the old Reader’s Digest scheme. You get a copy for free but you are subscribed in the process…

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spoiler
This is part of my XDC presentation :slight_smile: