Apple enables promo codes on the App Store

Apple has made the App Store more flexible for developers who want to give their apps away to some, but not all, users by way of promo codes. Previously, the only way to give away copies of an app without just giving the user money to pay for it was a clunky process. An ad-hoc version of the app had to be made and distributed. Then the user had to find the UDID of their device and install the app through iTunes outside of the App Store. And only 100 seats are available per app.

Promo codes are a great step forward, but they have limitations as well. First, only 50 promo codes can be issued for any app version (this total is reset after each update). Also, these codes are only redeemable in the U.S. App Store, so, depending on where you live, that may or may not be a good thing. In some ways, it’s more restrictive than the ad-hoc method. But if you’re looking for loopholes, a developer could change something small, like the app’s icon, in order to reset the promo code cap.

If you find yourself the recipient of a promo code, it can be redeemed in the App Store by clicking the Redeem link. Promo codes will likely be used by developers as review copies. So, if you’re a developer looking to have your app reviewed, you can send promo codes to…just kidding. Or am I?

Via [MacRumors]