Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has announced that users can now share on-time in-app purchases and subscriptions among families. When you purchase a consumable item such as coins in a game, you will are the only one allowed to use them. However, if a user unlocks an ad-free or pro version of a given app, they can share with others in the new Family Sharing program.
Apple introduces family sharing of in-app purchases
The company announced the change in June with Big Sur, but it seems it is permitting developers to allow the sharing of in-app purchases and subscriptions. Interestingly developers will have to flip the switch to allow Family sharing since it is a manual opt-in feature. Currently, only the FoodNoms, calorie tracking app permits subscription sharing with big names like Ulysses, announcing the feature’s support. It appears that the functionality might be rolling out slowly.
The announcement indicated the Family Sharing enables the sharing of non-consumable in-app purchases and auto-renewable subscriptions. This allows users to share subscriptions and purchases with around five family members. The feature provides a convenient and streamlined user experience allowing developers to attract subscribers, increase user engagement, encourage paid subscriptions, and enhance retention. Apple said that it would update Sales and trends soon to help developers in understanding family subscription performance.
How to switch the Family Sharing option
Users can check on their subscription to see which ones have the share option by clicking on the Settings under your name and tap on subscriptions. At the top of the screen, there is a switch labeled Share New Subscriptions. After switching it on, family members can access eligible in-app subscriptions that the user can sign up for.
For current subscriptions, you can tap to access the Edit Subscriptions screen where the Family share option will be shown for developers permitting. Switching it on gives family members access to subscriptions just as if they had bought it themselves. Users who don’t see the subscription sharing on their favorite app can check from time to time to see if it is available.
