bmooJan 14, 2023
Becky Hansmeyer

THIS.šŸ‘‡šŸ» Every single time my kids ask me if I can download a game for them, all I want to do is see what kind of in-app purchases it has. That information needs to be better organized and more prominently displayed.

Quoting @atomicbird: https://mastodon.social/@atomicbird/109684430167299018

Jan 14, 2023 at 4:36pmIvory for iOS
Show threadRoss KimesJan 14, 2023
@bhansmeyer @atomicbird Same! And for the exact same reason.
Show threadDanStranskyJan 14, 2023
@bhansmeyer @atomicbird Agreed! I try and keep my subscriptions in check because Iā€™m not in a ā€œmoney is no objectā€ phase of my life, so I like to know what Iā€™m getting myself into before I try the app out.
Show threadBen Gillam Jan 14, 2023

@bhansmeyer @atomicbird @NateBarham agreed. Not just kids I donā€™t mind an app having them or subscriptions but would be better up front. Especially subscription apps if it said free with ā€œsubs starting from Ā£x per monthā€

Itā€™s a product of the race to the bottom that happened to the App Store but now everything seems to be free to play but is really pay to win and exploiting children and parents without their eye on the ball

Show threadMike RoestJan 14, 2023
@bhansmeyer @atomicbird 100% apple is hiding this on purpose. They make too much from the horrible subscriptions on garbage apps. Making the in apps easy to see and tell that apps are effectively scams would make them take a hit on that sweet sweet services revenue.
Show threadBlake Helms Jan 14, 2023
@bhansmeyer @atomicbird 100% agree! Also, pro-tip for anyone that doesn't know. Tap "In-App Purchases" on the app details screen to get a list of the prices. If there are 50 different ways to buy in app currency, RUN!
Show threadJason Lawton Jan 14, 2023
@bhansmeyer @atomicbird My one child knows that I won't download something if it has IAP. They've even said "I want this but it has in app purchases" lol
Show threadć‚­ćƒ£ćƒŖćƒ¼Jan 14, 2023

@bhansmeyer @atomicbird

Yes! This is absolutely a must.

Although I think it is very rare for a game to have an in-app purchase that isnā€™t exploitative. There are a rare few games where you can buy extra levels but almost all other games have something to do with ā€œgemsā€.

Show threadD. Griffin JonesJan 14, 2023
@bhansmeyer @atomicbird Iā€™m really thankful for app privacy report cards, too. No reason for a game to have my location data or personally identifying information.
Show threadJim KubicekJan 14, 2023
@bhansmeyer @atomicbird I think Iā€™ve finally trained my kids that Iā€™ll only say yes to a game if itā€™s Apple Arcade (no scammy IAPs)
Show threadCarl Mesner LyonsJan 14, 2023

@bhansmeyer @atomicbird it's so hidden that I'd never even noticed it

This can't be an accident. If the big costs were up front, fewer people who'd download it (and this be on the way to paying)

I want Apple to be more transparent than this

Show threadJames CockerJan 14, 2023
@bhansmeyer @atomicbird And even then it often displays lots of unused IAPs so you canā€™t clearly work out what the app costs.
Show threadTom HartnettJan 14, 2023
@bhansmeyer @atomicbird Also for developers of apps with non-scammy IAPs, would be nice to be more "up-front" about what the IAPs are.
Show threadbubbajetJan 14, 2023

@bhansmeyer @atomicbird @marcoarment Agreeā€¦but:

Itā€™s not *that* hard to find. Yes, it should be easier, but once you know where it is itā€™s right there.

It needs be more clear. Others have mentioned how inscrutable this section is.

And app privacy is (to me) more important but not by much.

If the app shares my data, or if the IAPs are difficult to understand/ridiculous I just donā€™t need that app. 15 seconds or less to decide.

Support good developers by paying for good apps though. Do it!

Show threadBrad EllisJan 14, 2023
@bhansmeyer @atomicbird I would love a metric on how often itā€™s going to try to get my kid to buy something. You can have whatever in-apps you want if you leave me alone.
Some of the Roblox worlds are very demanding of cash.
Show threadDevinJan 15, 2023
@bhansmeyer this is why my kids only get Apple arcade games. No IAP, and game play has to be suited to non casino like psychology.
Show threadKelly GuimontJan 16, 2023

@bhansmeyer @atomicbird @ksbex I have long wanted two basic indicators:
- This app is useless without a subscription
- If you do not subscribe, the free version does the following:

Some apps are doorstops if you aren't paying, and some have a few features. Can't you just tell me up front? I have a use case but it might not be the one your app can fit.