Apple has announced that developers can now include macOS versions of their apps as part of a universal purchase.
iOS users have enjoyed universal purchases for some time, paying once to have access to both an iPhone and iPad version of the same app. As Apple began separating tvOS, watchOS and iPadOS, developers could include a version of their app for each of the devices in a universal purchase. macOS, on the other hand, was not included. With Monday’s announcement, that finally changes.
“The macOS version of your app can now be included in a universal purchase, allowing customers to enjoy your app and in‑app purchases across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS by purchasing only once,” reads the announcement. “Get started by using a single bundle ID for your apps in Xcode and setting up your app record for universal purchase in App Store Connect.”
Apple’s announcement is good news for developers and customers alike, and provides a good way for developers to incentivize purchases.
