Developers of iPhone applications can get out the scissors and start clipping coupons. Apple apparently now provides 50 codes that allow promotional copies to be downloaded from the App Store. This is akin to publishers sending out books to influential columnists and bloggers.
MacRumors has the story, as well as the full screenshot of the coupon redemption in action. It appears recipients of promo versions must download the apps via iTunes, as opposed to directly from the App Store app on the iPhone.
The concept of free copies is not that innovative, but it's another step toward the App Store becoming a full-featured marketplace. Though 50 free copies will help developers get the word out about their software, there many more tools Apple could add to the arsenal:
- Discount codes -- get $1 off, or 50% off
- Expiring apps -- the Shareware approach
- App bundling -- buy this app and that app together and save this much
Of course, these sorts of options run counter to Apple's simplicity. While it might help sell a few more Apps, it could have the effect of making the marketplace seem more like a used car lot.
Would any of the above ideas be useful to developers or consumers? If you're an iPhone developer, what other features would you like to be able to use to improve your sales?
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