Developers can now offer free trials on the App Store

Apple will now let developers offer free trials of non-subscription apps following a recent update to the Store Review Guidelines.

While developers could previously offer free trials for subscription-based apps, the new guidelines take it a step further.

"Non-subscription apps may offer a free time-based trial period before presenting a full unlock option by setting up a Non-Consumable IAP item at Price Tier 0 that follows the naming convention: '14-day Trial'," the guidelines read.

"Prior to the start of the trial, your app must clearly identify its duration, the content or services that will no longer be accessible when the trial ends, and any downstream charges the user would need to pay for full functionality. Learn more about managing content access and the duration of the trial period using Receipts and Device Check."

The guideline changes also clarify rules around multi-platform services, such as Steam Link which Apple rejected from the App Store just last month over "business conflicts".

"Apps that operate across multiple platforms may allow users to access content, subscriptions, or features they have acquired elsewhere, provided those items are also available as in-app purchases within the app," the guidelines read.

"You must not directly or indirectly target iOS users to use a purchasing method other than in-app purchase, and your general communications about other purchasing methods must not discourage use of in-app purchase."