Volume purchasing with In-app purchases

Question

Created Sep ’20

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Hi,
My app is free-to-download but with an in-app purchase to unlock all the features. A user wants to buy 15 copies of the "unlock" IAP and distribute it to his team, using MDM to distribute it easily.

I don't believe there is a way to do this through business purchases, is that right? You can only download apps through MDM but not in-app purchases. So what's the best way to do this? Are there any standard solutions?

Can I upload a new version of the app that's "paid up-front" but not available through the regular App Store, but only through MDM?

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Answer 1

KMT OP

Sep ’20

I think a 'business purchase' using Apple's VPP/B2B programs may be your best bet.

Otherwise, perhaps IAP gifting...

In the end tho, Apple doesn't provide a simple scheme that fits your exact needs, so expect hurdles, gatcha's and looming compromises in this case.

Good luck.

0

Answer 2

hatguy OP

May ’22

Short answer: It is not possible through Apple Business Manager and MDM to buy in-app purchases.

I went through the process of trying to work this out. I ended up on the phone with support, who confirmed it was the case. The two options I was given was to either use a standard customer account for the purchases (we only needed for two iPads). Otherwise to go B2B and purchase a version of the app already unlocked and upload that as Custom App via MDM

1