Keep Checking App Subscription Prices
Apple is a little tougher on apps that try to lure you in with complicated subscription prices, but that doesn’t mean you’re safe from crappy apps that need all your money. Our advice? Pretend nothing has changed. Keep exploring subscription prices as if you were Benedict Cumberbatch deciding Sherlock’s capers, and check back regularly to see what you’re subscribed to in case you’re paying for something you don’t want.
According to numerous reports, Apple recently changed its Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) and App Store guidelines for app subscriptions. Both documents now ask developers to consistently and clearly describe subscription prices in their applications. (And I say “asked,” not “required,” as it is unclear if breaking this rule will result in the app being rejected by the Apple App Review team.)
As described in the Apple Developer Guide:
“In the flow of purchases, the amount to be billed should be the most visible price element in the layout. For example, an annual subscription should clearly display the total amount that will be billed upon purchase. While you can also present a breakdown price equivalent to an annualized amount, or savings over a weekly or monthly subscription, these additional items should show up in line item and size subordinate to the annual price. This will ensure that users are not misled. “
And you can see this policy change in the mock Apple “Forest Explorer” app, which makes it easy to see the total price you would pay if you signed up for a subscription.
Is that all right? Will you never be fooled by a subscription again? Not really. First, it is unclear how long applications have a grace period, if any, to implement this change. Take Tinder as shown in the 9to5Mac example . This is what the “ask” app subscription looks like at the time of this posting:
The confusing example of Tinder is that it implies that the user pays a set amount per month to subscribe to Tinder, which is not entirely accurate. Technically, a user who subscribes to a six-month Tinder Plus subscription pays $ 75 upfront for the plan and then bills every six months.
If you do the math, you can probably figure out the total cost, but Apple thinks customers don’t need it. You should clearly see the total cost, as well as a breakdown of the cost by day, month, or week (if the developer wants to provide this information) when the app prompts you to purchase a subscription.
However, as we said earlier , you must understand the terms and conditions of what you are signing up for (ideally before you wonder about the next credit card bill). If you feel like an app tricked you into subscribing, either because its description was unclear or because of some fake “press the Touch ID for a moment and unfortunately thanks for confirming this expensive subscription” , do not doubt. to contact Apple to report the app and see what they can do.
Apple says it does not refund ” recurring payments, ” but you can find a good argument if the app tricked you into buying something you don’t need. And with these new guidelines, you might be able to get more leverage if you tell Apple that the app doesn’t talk about subscriptions the way Apple thinks it should.
And, as always, make a recurring appointment in your calendar for a quick glimpse of previously purchased subscriptions. You can do this directly through iTunes on your computer or laptop, or you can click Settings > [your name] > iTunes & App Store on your iPhone or iPad. From there, tap your Apple ID at the top of the screen, tap View Apple ID , scroll down a bit and tap Subscriptions.