Free watchOS app with paid iOS companion

Question

Created Sep ’22

Replies 6

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What is the best way to implement a free watchOS app with paid iOS companion?

Not sure whether it would be a good idea simply put two products on the App Store, one watch-only and one iOS-only – the apps are using Watch Connectivity (I presume this would not work). There are no user accounts in my app.

Would it be better to set up a free watch-only app, and a paid watch-iOS combination? That means the user would have to manually delete the free watchOS app after purchasing the paid version. Not very elegant but maybe acceptable.

I am hesitant to make it a free-with-IAP watch-iOS combination, as the iOS app would have literally no functionality without the IAP.

Boost

Answer 1

darkpaw OP

Sep ’22

I think, for your own sanity, you should release a paid-for iOS app that comes with the Watch app.

If you release separate apps you'll have to keep two code bases up to date, and deal with the problems of not having Watch Connectivity etc.

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Answer 2

hamsterin OP

Sep ’22

I think, for your own sanity, you should release a paid-for iOS app that comes with the Watch app.

Yes, this is exactly what I want to do. But what is the best way to implement it?

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Answer 3

Frameworks Engineer OP

Apple

Sep ’22

If your watch app provides functionality that is substantially the same as or clearly complements your iOS app, you cannot submit it as a separate watch-only app. You will be submitting your iOS app and your watchOS app together, and the price you charge up front applies to both of them together.

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Answer 4

hamsterin OP

Sep ’22

In terms of functionality, there is hardly any overlap between the watchOS and iOS apps. The iOS app complements the watchOS app. (The app I am talking about is Ready Steady, see https://apps.apple.com/app/ready-steady/id1639942158?platform=appleWatch and http://readysteadyapp.com/).

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Answer 5

darkpaw OP

Sep ’22

So you already have a paid-for app available that comes with a Watch app? Well, then your question is moot, isn't it? Your combination of iOS app and watchOS app seems fine as it is.

From what I can see you use the Watch app to track your runs, and the iOS app merely holds them there for you? So yes, the iOS app compliments the Watch app. Nothing says the iOS app has to be the main player in an iOS/watchOS app combination.

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Answer 6

hamsterin OP

Sep ’22

My point is that I want to offer the watchOS app for free.

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