Apple’s WWDC event kicks off on Monday, but App Store head Phil Schiller is already sharing some major changes coming to the App Store that will impact developers. The news comes just six months after Schiller added additional App Store responsibilities to his role.
The SVP of Worldwide Marketing shared the news in an interview with The Verge (U:and Daring Fireball) just before Apple announced the details. One controversial change includes ad placement in App Store search results, which was rumored earlier this year:
Another change that we’ve already seen previewed on Apple TV is how installed Featured apps appear. When you install a featured app, it will no longer be promoted by the App Store.
3D Touch-enabled iPhones (currently iPhone 6s and 6s Plus) will be able to access a new option for sharing App Store apps with others from the Home screen as well.
Perhaps most positive for developers is a change to the revenue sharing model. Currently, subscription revenue is shared 70-30 between developers and Apple. Subscription based apps will see that model change to 85-15 for a customer subscription active for at least one year.
Schiller also discussed the faster app review process developers have noticed, and highlighted that app review won’t go away. Using the current model, Schiller said half of all submissions are approved in 24 hours and 90% are approved in 48 hours.
Apple has a news post detailing some of the upcoming changes as well:
Search Ads Search Ads is an efficient and easy way for you to promote your app directly within the U.S. App Store search results, helping customers discover or reengage with your app, while respecting their privacy. Starting this summer, you’ll be able to participate in the Search Ads beta and see the ads in action. Learn more about Search Ads.
Subscription Enhancements We’re opening auto-renewable subscriptions to all app categories including games, increasing developer revenue for eligible subscriptions after one year, providing greater pricing flexibility, and more. Learn about what’s new in subscriptions.
Stay tuned for full WWDC coverage ahead of Monday’s 10am PT keynote, and catch up on our continuing coverage below:
- Happy Hour Podcast 070 | WWDC 2016 wish list
- Report: ‘Major iTunes overhaul’ to be announced at WWDC alongside iOS 10 Apple Music revamp
- Apple not unveiling new or updated external display at WWDC, announcements will focus on software
- Feature Request: WWDC 2016 wish list for iOS, MacOS, watchOS, and tvOS
- OS X 10.12 & Mac: What will Apple show off for Mac at WWDC 2016?
- iOS 10: Rumored iPhone & iPad features in the cards for WWDC 2016
- WWDC 2016 Preview Rumors: No new hardware but plenty of Siri, iMessage may get money transfers via Apple Pay, more
- WWDC Rumor Roundup: Everything Apple could announce at its upcoming event
- How to watch Apple’s WWDC 2016 keynote live stream on Windows or Android