Correct way of implementing a Time Trial version for iOS apps

Question

Apple has finally accepted submissions of Time Trial versions for Apps and in their latest guidelines, at paragraph 3.1.1 they do recommend implementing them as FREE In-app purchases ("Non-Consumable IAP item at Price Tier 0").

I have done so, but now it is not clear to me how to prevent a user from doing trials ad infinitum, by simply uninstalling the app, reinstalling it and RESTORING the Free in-app purchase!

Is there any way of preventing it?

I believe that any flags that we programmatically save in NSUserDefaults would be deleted if the app is manually uninstalled together with all data. Correct?

kubrick G · Answer 1 · 2019-01-28T10:36:02.670

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Have a look at DeviceCheck:

Using the DeviceCheck APIs, in combination with server-to-server APIs, you can set and query two bits of data per device, while maintaining user privacy.
You might use this data to identify devices that have already taken advantage of a promotional offer that you provide, or to flag a device that you've determined to be fraudulent.

edited Jan 28 '19 at 10:36

answered Jan 28 '19 at 10:27

kubrick G

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No other solution that doesn’t require implementing a server? – jeddi Jan 28 '19 at 11:10
@jeddi you could try to save your flag in [keychain](https://developer.apple.com/documentation/security/keychain_services), it will persist even after the app is uninstalled and install again. – kubrick G Jan 28 '19 at 11:18
Interesting option! Would it require user approval to be saved in the keychain? – jeddi Jan 28 '19 at 12:05
@jeddi No, it does not require user permission. – kubrick G Jan 28 '19 at 12:17

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 28 '19 at 14:27

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You can parse the receipt and extract Purchase Date of the In-App purchase for the free trial. See Receipt Fields. Even if the item is restored, the date will correspond to the original purchase date.

answered Jan 28 '19 at 14:27

pointum

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Actually it doesn’t work. transactionDate reports a different date every time the app is reinstalled! How can I get the date of the very first installation? – jeddi Jan 30 '19 at 07:06

Correct way of implementing a Time Trial version for iOS apps

2 Answers2