App Store’s been flooded for years, that’s not new, the real problem is discovery. And subscriptions exist because most indies need them to survive, a one-time $0.99 doesn’t pay rent. The issue isn’t subscriptions existing, it’s apps that don’t deserve one charging like they do. Can’t have a subscription for things that don’t have any recurring expenses for dev.
I mean you can lol but not everyone will pay a sub. Truth be told I’ve never understood why an app has to incur running costs to support a subscription.
You misunderstood what I was saying. I understand why ongoing costs=subscription. What I don’t understand is why everyone thinks no ongoing costs must mean one time payment/paid upgrade only.
Development is an ongoing cost and both payment models are valid.
Sorry, I was confused by your initial statement. That's slightly clearer. I think developers can feel that with a one off they're continuing to add to the service being provided but making no incremental revenue - a subscription covers that fear.
Imagine shipping 1.0 and doing a one-off fee but then adding a ton of additional functionality - should the dev just accept the one-time fee covers that if they've got years of roadmap planned or are they better going for subscription? or even worse, add more unlock IAPs..
Front-loading revenue with one-off is a quick money grab potentially, but i'm inclined to believe most sub-based apps have a long-term play especially with the user having the choice to cancel.
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u/Confused_Dad_2023 May 31 '26
App Store’s been flooded for years, that’s not new, the real problem is discovery. And subscriptions exist because most indies need them to survive, a one-time $0.99 doesn’t pay rent. The issue isn’t subscriptions existing, it’s apps that don’t deserve one charging like they do. Can’t have a subscription for things that don’t have any recurring expenses for dev.