Apple is expanding their Family Sharing feature, and you will now be able to use this for subscriptions and also for in-app purchases. This new feature was spotted last week, and now Apple has confirmed that it is available. You can see what they had to say about it below.
You can now enable Family Sharing for auto-renewable subscriptions and non-consumable in-app purchases, allowing users to share their purchases with up to five family members. Family Sharing provides a streamlined, convenient user experience and can help you attract subscribers, encourage paid subscriptions, increase user engagement, and improve retention. Sales and Trends reports will be updated soon to help you understand the performance of family subscriptions.
How Family Sharing Works
Family Sharing is a feature that allows up to six family members to share Apple services, including Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+, and Apple Arcade, without sharing accounts. Each family member uses their own Apple ID, ensuring that personal data remains private. With the new expansion, this feature now includes the ability to share auto-renewable subscriptions and non-consumable in-app purchases.
For example, if you subscribe to a fitness app that offers premium content through a subscription, you can now share that subscription with your family members. Similarly, if you purchase a non-consumable in-app item, such as a game expansion pack, your family members can also access it without needing to purchase it again.
Benefits for Users and Developers
The expansion of Family Sharing offers numerous benefits for both users and developers. For users, it means significant savings and convenience. Instead of each family member purchasing the same subscription or in-app item, one purchase can be shared among all members. This is particularly beneficial for families with multiple devices and users who enjoy the same apps and services.
For developers, enabling Family Sharing can lead to increased user engagement and retention. When users know they can share their purchases with family members, they may be more likely to subscribe or make in-app purchases. This can also attract new subscribers who see the added value of being able to share their purchases. Additionally, developers can gain insights from updated Sales and Trends reports, which will now include data on family subscriptions.
How to Enable Family Sharing
To enable Family Sharing for subscriptions and in-app purchases, developers need to update their apps to support this feature. Users can then activate Family Sharing through their device settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on your Apple ID at the top of the screen.
3. Select Family Sharing.
4. Tap Add Family Member and follow the on-screen instructions to invite family members.
5. Once family members accept the invitation, they will be able to share eligible subscriptions and in-app purchases.
It’s important to note that not all apps may support Family Sharing for subscriptions and in-app purchases, as it is up to the developers to enable this feature. Users should check the app’s settings or contact the developer for more information.
The expansion of Apple’s Family Sharing feature to include subscriptions and in-app purchases is a welcome addition for many users. It offers a more economical and convenient way for families to enjoy their favorite apps and services together. For developers, it presents an opportunity to enhance user satisfaction and drive engagement. As more developers adopt this feature, the benefits of Family Sharing will continue to grow, making it an essential part of the Apple ecosystem.
Source MacRumors
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