Developers Can Now Issue Free "Promotional" Copies of iPhone Apps
posted December 2nd, 2008 6:15 PM EST by arn in NewsAs first reported on MacRumors.com, Apple is now offering developers the ability to issue up to 50 promotional copies of their iPhone Apps.
Apple has finally started allowing developers to issue free promotional copies of their iPhone applications. Once an application has been accepted to the App Store by Apple, developers can issue up to 50 promotional codes for their application. The codes allow the recipient to download a full copy of the application for free. Codes can only be presently used in the U.S. iTunes Stores by using the "Redeem" link in the App Store.
The biggest advantage for developers will be allowing them to issue "review" copies to sites without going through the Ad Hoc method of issuing apps.
Here at Touch Arcade, we'd previously only accepted Ad Hoc copies for apps for preview copies of games that are not presently available in the App Store. Overall, however, this new system appears like it could improve lead times on app reviews, as it seems developers are allowed to issue these promotional copies in between the time the app is accepted by Apple and actually released.
Update: We've updated our about page to reflect the fact that we will accept Promotional Codes for games.
Great news! As a game reviewer this makes things so much easier for us and for the developers.
Arn isn't going to have room for all of them…
Lools like Arn/Blake will be needing more admins…
I agree. This is going to speed up the process for us app reviewers.
This is HUGELY AWESOME! Way to go Apple!
all senior member should become admins to get reviews faster LOL
aren't there like 500+ senior Members, and a senior member only takes 100 some odd posts to become one?
I was joking, but maybe like doing a random drawing to become an admin LOL
REALLY great news. We just did a piece today about the broken AdHoc system. This new system definitely looks better for reviewers and developers alike!
i knew something was up. cause i went to bestbuy.com to go and check the prices for ipod touches on blach friday and it said it came with a free card download of spore and i was thinking to myself how could this be possible. so now it makes sense and its kind of cool
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Just in the US. Stupid. Why limiting it to 50?
Devs should decide.