CODEWITHSUNDEEP
ioscore-dataapp-storein-app-purchasesynchronization
Jason
Jason

Reputation: 14605

In-app purchase for core data sync?

I any to offer core data sync for my app, but it is going to be a major time investment and I want to make sure that it pays off financially. Is it possible to have data sync be a for-pay feature in the App Store? I thought it might not be possible, because apple offers iCloud for free. But especially if the data sync is being done by a third party server and not iCloud (which has its own issues), is this something that is possible?

Upvotes: 3

Views: 821

Answers (1)

QED
QED

Reputation: 9923

Yes. In-app purchase results in a unique id, which can serve as a receipt. You use that id to determine whether the feature is available. Be sure to validate at your server so that jail-breakers don't get your stuff for free.

Update: Ok, now I understand what you're asking.

Whether Apple will allow iCloud syncing to be considered additional functionality according to the in-app purchase guidelines (pdf) is an interesting question. Yes iCloud is offered for free, but there are paid plans as well. My experience here is limited to the model that I adopted of two app versions - paid and free. My paid apps sync data with each other, the free versions don't even link my sync code. I wouldn't try it via in-app purchase.

That being said, if you decide to use your own data sync service, then the sky is the limit, and you won't have any problems regarding rejection. You are free to offer any additional functionality you wish. Just think DropBox. I think your bigger decision here is whether to make the storage a non-consumable or a subscription.

Upvotes: 2

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