Numerous apps on the Apple’s App Store are free of cost but are ‘bait’, as app developers trick users and ask them money in the name of subscription charges and do not allow them to even have a trial period so that they can decide whether they want to get a license for the app or not. Ideally, if users find it less beneficial they can uninstall the app so that their money won’t be wasted.
As of now, app developers are openly exploiting the company’s loopholes and offering free app services as bait to attract users to install the Mac apps. Actually, Bait means that once you install the free app from the App Store, it will ask you for the payment to use the app in any way. And most downloaded apps are built specifically on this business model to demand money from the consumers to run the application.
Apple’s CEO Tim Cook attended an event and opposed the iPhone’s policy to sideload apps through third-party platforms. Jeff Johnson, who is an Apple app developer, on Twitter, mentioned a popular Fokusek Enterprise on the App Store who is playing with users by applying bait-and-switch tactics. He talked about the business model of the developer and how they’re blindsiding the platform. There are popular apps in the Mac App Store that are run by the Fokusek and surprisingly app’s ratings have got four stars out of five. People have given good reviews however, Jeff points out that the feedback is not as friendly as the ratings. Many consumers complained about this and they’re puzzled as to why these apps aren’t offering a trial. On the contrary, developers are completely following Apple’s policies and they’re complying with them too but, at the same time, they’re deceiving users with bait tactics.
One of the top applications on the Mac App Store is GCalender, owned by Fokusek and is the 40th most installed app on App Store and is listed as free, however, it demands in-app purchases from the users. If you see in the app’s description, the developer refers to a licensing policy that states it only needs 1-time purchase of only $9.99 and they do not let users explore the app unless they receive payment for it.
Despite Apple’s strict policy, top apps are still exploiting the guidelines and can’t be held accountable because they offer the app as free but soon after downloading, they trick users into paying them to run the application. According to Apple, a trial period isn’t necessary at all. So, if the apps do not offer a trial, technically it doesn't infringe the guidelines. Apple has a review process, and on that basis, they allow applications on the Play Store. Still, they need measures to stop the apps from scamming and misleading people. At this point, no one can predict when Apple will take the step to solve this problem.
Read next: Meta aims to keep almost half of the virtual assets sales made by metaverse developers; Apple calls it their hypocrisy
As of now, app developers are openly exploiting the company’s loopholes and offering free app services as bait to attract users to install the Mac apps. Actually, Bait means that once you install the free app from the App Store, it will ask you for the payment to use the app in any way. And most downloaded apps are built specifically on this business model to demand money from the consumers to run the application.
Apple’s CEO Tim Cook attended an event and opposed the iPhone’s policy to sideload apps through third-party platforms. Jeff Johnson, who is an Apple app developer, on Twitter, mentioned a popular Fokusek Enterprise on the App Store who is playing with users by applying bait-and-switch tactics. He talked about the business model of the developer and how they’re blindsiding the platform. There are popular apps in the Mac App Store that are run by the Fokusek and surprisingly app’s ratings have got four stars out of five. People have given good reviews however, Jeff points out that the feedback is not as friendly as the ratings. Many consumers complained about this and they’re puzzled as to why these apps aren’t offering a trial. On the contrary, developers are completely following Apple’s policies and they’re complying with them too but, at the same time, they’re deceiving users with bait tactics.
One of the top applications on the Mac App Store is GCalender, owned by Fokusek and is the 40th most installed app on App Store and is listed as free, however, it demands in-app purchases from the users. If you see in the app’s description, the developer refers to a licensing policy that states it only needs 1-time purchase of only $9.99 and they do not let users explore the app unless they receive payment for it.
The developer's 3 top grossing apps in the Mac App Store all have ratings of over 4 out of 5. However, they're all free to download, which means anyone can rate them.
— Jeff Johnson (@lapcatsoftware) April 12, 2022
The reviews are not as flattering as the ratings. A lot of the reviews suggest that the apps are pretty crappy.
Despite Apple’s strict policy, top apps are still exploiting the guidelines and can’t be held accountable because they offer the app as free but soon after downloading, they trick users into paying them to run the application. According to Apple, a trial period isn’t necessary at all. So, if the apps do not offer a trial, technically it doesn't infringe the guidelines. Apple has a review process, and on that basis, they allow applications on the Play Store. Still, they need measures to stop the apps from scamming and misleading people. At this point, no one can predict when Apple will take the step to solve this problem.
Read next: Meta aims to keep almost half of the virtual assets sales made by metaverse developers; Apple calls it their hypocrisy
