There has been quite a bit of news about Apple’s new subscription policies this week, and a large amount of confusion on exactly what type of applications the policy is designed for.
We even saw an email from Steve Jobs saying that the subscription service is designed for ‘newspaper’ style apps, but where does that leave developers of applications like Readability?
Readability is an app that takes out adverts from website articles and delivers the content to the readers, who in turn pay a fee to read the articles. The company then pays publishers 70 percent of the revenue.
Understanding Apple’s Subscription Policy
Apple’s new subscription policy has been a hot topic, especially among developers who are trying to understand its implications. The policy is primarily aimed at ‘newspaper’ style apps, which typically offer recurring content such as news articles, magazines, and other periodicals. These apps charge users a subscription fee to access their content, and Apple takes a 30% cut of the subscription revenue. This model is straightforward for traditional publishing apps, but it becomes murkier for apps like Readability that offer a different kind of service.
Readability recently submitted their app to the app store, but it was turned down. They have just submitted the app again to Apple in the hope that it is approved. The app’s rejection has raised questions about whether Apple’s subscription policy is too restrictive or if it needs to be more flexible to accommodate different types of content delivery services.
The Impact on Developers and Users
The outcome of Readability’s resubmission is quite important as it will give more clarification on what type of applications fall under Apple’s new subscription model. If Readability is approved, it could set a precedent for other apps that offer unique content delivery services. On the other hand, if it is rejected again, it may signal that Apple’s policy is strictly limited to traditional publishing apps.
For developers, this uncertainty can be challenging. They need to know whether their app will be subject to Apple’s 30% cut and if they need to redesign their business models to comply with the new rules. This can be particularly difficult for smaller developers who may not have the resources to navigate these complexities.
For users, the policy could mean fewer innovative apps in the App Store if developers decide it’s not worth the hassle to comply with Apple’s rules. On the flip side, it could also mean more high-quality content from traditional publishers who can afford to pay Apple’s fee.
Readability’s business model is particularly interesting because it not only removes ads from articles but also compensates publishers. This creates a win-win situation for both readers and publishers. Readers get a cleaner, ad-free reading experience, while publishers still get paid for their content. However, this model doesn’t fit neatly into Apple’s subscription policy, which is likely why the app was initially rejected.
Whether this app is approved or not, the outcome is quite important as it will give more clarification on what type of applications fall under Apple’s new subscription model. Developers and users alike are eagerly awaiting the decision, as it will have significant implications for the future of app development and content delivery on iOS.
via Gizmodo
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