Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) has introduced new tools and capabilities designed to help developers "engage with new and existing customers on the App Store."
The technology giant has unveiled two App Store updates:
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Search Ads -- Enables developers to promote their apps directly within the U.S. App Store's search results. A Search Ads beta will be released this summer, according to Apple.
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Auto-Renewable Subscriptions -- Allows developers to take advantage of auto-renewable subscriptions for all app categories. Apple said that this will help increase "developer revenue for eligible subscriptions after one year [and provide] greater pricing flexibility."
Apple revamps App Store, may not win over developers https://t.co/kElRGDypdM pic.twitter.com/Ir9A1K2STw
— Reuters Tech News (@ReutersTech) June 9, 2016
So what did developers have to say about the news?
Many developers asked Apple to reconsider its App Store updates.
Dear @pschiller,
— Aral Balkan (@aral) June 9, 2016
This will screw over independent developers without advertising budgets.
Please reconsider. https://t.co/mWJuSSnz2u
Some developers indicated that Apple may need to revamp its App Store policies.
Yup! "developers have felt the pain from bad App Store policies for years" – @benthompson via @StratecheryMO pic.twitter.com/g4oXmCQZOt
— David Barnard (@drbarnard) June 9, 2016
Meanwhile, others questioned Search Ads' value for developers.
It's kind of astounding that Apple is introducing search ads in the App Store while basic app search is still awful. https://t.co/jRUhFmVaIz
— Anil Dash (@anildash) June 9, 2016
Apple may need to consider additional App Store improvements to meet developers' needs, too.
Speaking of App Store improvements: Can we please get a real website that allows buying apps, and pushing them to devices?
— Ole Zorn (@olemoritz) June 9, 2016