iOS Can users purchases upgrades off iTunes?

[detz]

Lets say you have an app with downloadable content. Would it be against some rules to have users pay for this content on your site and then have it update to the iPhone?

 

[DipDog3]

Lets say you have an app with downloadable content. Would it be against some rules to have users pay for this content on your site and then have it update to the iPhone?

Depends on what this content is...

images, videos, new levels...?

 

[detz]

Depends on what this content is...

images, videos, new levels...?

Similar to new levels.

 

[ayasin]

removed...see next post. Not sure what happened but the post was entered twice (and this was partial)

 

[ayasin]

Not by the letter of your agreement, but Apple may let it slide if it's just level packs.

From section 3.2.2 of the SDK agreement

No interpreted code may be downloaded and used in an Application except for code that is interpreted and run by Apple's published APIs and built in interpreter(s).

Since a level pack alters the way your program behaves, and your program interprets the instructions in the level pack to generate a level it technically falls under that clause.

 

[DipDog3]

Also from 3.3.3

an Application may not provide, unlock or enable additional features or functionality through distribution mechanisms other than the iTunes Store.

So the answer is No!

 

[detz]

I think they have that in there to protect themselves but I think they would allow new "free" levels but if you're charging probably not. The reason I'm asking is the program I'm working on gets updates probably weekly and it would be a pain to update the entire app just for that. On top of that only a select few people would want the upgrade because it's local information.

 

[DipDog3]

I think they have that in there to protect themselves but I think they would allow new "free" levels but if you're charging probably not. The reason I'm asking is the program I'm working on gets updates probably weekly and it would be a pain to update the entire app just for that. On top of that only a select few people would want the upgrade because it's local information.

Well you could try it and see. Who really know what Apple allows and doesn't allow? I guess only Apple knows.

 

[Cromulent]

Since a level pack alters the way your program behaves, and your program interprets the instructions in the level pack to generate a level it technically falls under that clause.

I don't think that really counts. Since Objective-C allows the real time loading of modules then it should be possible to add a plugin to your application that has nothing to do with needing to be interpreted. All you'll be doing is loading another module into your program.

 

[DipDog3]

I don't think that really counts. Since Objective-C allows the real time loading of modules then it should be possible to add a plugin to your application that has nothing to do with needing to be interpreted. All you'll be doing is loading another module into your program.

I agree with you, that section was more for something like Java, but Section 3.3.3 covers what is trying to be done:

An Application may not provide, unlock or enable additional features or functionality through distribution mechanisms other than the iTunes Store.

 

[elistan]

Here's a scenario: Provide a FREE app through the App Store, which requires an activation key to work. Charge $200 for the activation key on your own website, and Apple misses out on their cut. That is the scenario Apple is likely trying to prevent. Similarly, provide for free a game framework in the App Store, and charge $9.99 per level on another website - same deal.

On the other hand, in Cube Runner you can put in the URL for additional level packs and the game will download them. But Apple might not consider a level pack to be an additional feature or functionality - the app does the exact same thing it always has, just on a different data set. Similar to downloading new showtimes for a movie app.

Can one app read another app's data? Meaning, can level packs be bundled and sold on the App Store, to be used by a separately purchased app?