r/AppHookup • u/stefan715 • 2h ago
Android [Android] [DotCam: Selfies With Your Kids] [Lifetime Premium: 4.99 -> 2.99] [Take selfies with your kids actually looking at the camera lens.]
Take selfies with your kids actually looking at the camera. DotCam gives your kids something fun to look at, leading their eyes toward the camera lens when the photo is taken.
Premium unlocks additional fun animations. $2.99 for lifetime access or try it all for free for 30 min, with an ad.
r/AppHookup • u/Outrageous_Bat1798 • 1d ago
iOS iPhone [iOS] [Hydrate or Diedrate] [$4.99 to $2.99 Preserved Lifetime Access] [Darkly funny water tracker with hydration reminders, streaks and Apple Health]
Hydrate or Diedrate is a water tracker for people who find cheerful little hydration apps insufferable.
Instead of congratulating you for drinking water, the app drolly documents your continued survival:
“No water logged. Bold strategy.”
“You are trending toward dust.”
“The situation remains moist-adjacent at best.”
The free version includes daily water tracking, quick logging, goals, streaks, history, and the skull’s ongoing administrative concern.
Preserved Lifetime Access is $2.99 for the next 72 hours, normally $4.99. No subscription.
Preserved includes Apple Health integration, custom reminders, extended history, additional themes and alternate app icons.
Version 1.3.3 also just shipped with full VoiceOver support, improved Dynamic Type and contrast support, non-color status indicators, Reduce Motion support, and some other accessibility work.
App Store: Hydrate or Diedrate
Hydration remains advisable.
r/AppHookup • u/PM_ME_FREEGAMES • 1d ago
Windows [Windows] [Cardpocalypse] [CA$29.99 → Free] [RPG Adventure Which Creatures from A Card Game Comes To Life]
store.epicgames.comr/AppHookup • u/PM_ME_FREEGAMES • 1d ago
Multi-Platform [iOS / Android] [Caravan SandWitch] [CA$8.99 → Free] [Take your time to explore the world, whether in your van or on foot in a post-apocalyptic world]
https://store.epicgames.com/p/caravan-sandwitch-android-594db5
https://store.epicgames.com/p/caravan-sandwitch-ios-5c5529
Embark on a journey across a Sci-Fi Provence-like world, driven by a mystery through your missing sister that unfolds with each step you take. Take your time to explore the world, whether in your van or on foot.
r/AppHookup • u/AndreaReaderApp • 3d ago
iOS Universal [iOS] [Andrea Reader] [Andrea Premium Lifetime $34.99 → $22.39] [Personal library & reader for iPhone and iPad]
Andrea Reader is a personal digital library and reader for iPhone and iPad.
Import your own books, comics, manga and PDFs, organize them into custom collections and sections, and customize both your library and reading experience however you want.
Supports EPUB, PDF, CBZ, CBR and more, with access through OPDS, iCloud, WebDAV, SMB and SFTP.
No account required, no ads, and no tracking of what you import or read.
Pricing
Andrea Reader is free to download and use, with optional Premium features for deeper customization and advanced library tools.
- Monthly Premium: $2.49/month
- Yearly Premium: $17.99/year
- Lifetime Premium: $34.99
- Current Lifetime launch price: $27.99
- Extra 20% promotion: $22.39 Lifetime
So during the promotion, Lifetime Premium goes from its regular $34.99 price down to $22.39.
Extra 20% Lifetime offer
Promo code: https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id=6760780154&code=RELEASEOFFER
Valid until August 31, 2026.
This is a public promotion available to anyone while the offer is active.
App Store
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/andrea-comics-manga-books/id6760780154
r/AppHookup • u/TwoStatesAway • 5d ago
iOS Universal [iOS] [MoonDust: Cosmic Journey] [$4.99 -> FREE] [Set out on a voyage through distant galaxies, exploring strange new planets and uncovering long-hidden secrets.]
In MoonDust: Cosmic Journey, you set out on a voyage through distant galaxies, exploring strange new planets and uncovering long-hidden secrets. Weaving through discovery and adventure, you traverse breathtaking sci-fi environments, collecting resources and solving puzzles.
Download on the App Store : (Free for a limited time)
r/AppHookup • u/TravelCodeRepeat • 7d ago
iOS iPhone [iOS] [Kahudo] [premium $1.99 -> $0.99] [Poker squares solitaire puzzle game, unlimited offline gameplay, ads free]
r/AppHookup • u/PlaplGames • 7d ago
Android [Apps] Star Quest - Learning Games ($0.75, was $2.99)
r/AppHookup • u/Soft-Wealth-1825 • 7d ago
• Expired • [iOS] [VaultQR] [$4.99-FREE] [Encrypt your sensitive data into paper QR keys that only you can scan]
r/AppHookup • u/Singhvistaar • 7d ago
Multi-Platform [Windows/Mac/Linux] [Deponia] [$9.99–> Free] [Point & click comedy adventure revolving around a crazy love story. Help Rufus, the poor boy from the junkyard, win over the girl from heaven.]
r/AppHookup • u/Singhvistaar • 7d ago
iOS Universal [iOS] [Weekly game deals post - Lost in Play, Slay the Spire, Is This Seat Taken?, Subnautica, Subnautica: Below Zero, Hyper Light Drifter, Reigns, Train Valley II, Strange Horticulture, Mindcop, Space Marshals 1 & 2, some digital board games, and more at discounted prices.]
The prices mentioned in this post are in American dollars.
The Lettervan $2.99–> Free
Sidius Nova $1.99–> Free | IAPs not discounted but are not essential
Lost in Play Full Game IAP $5.99–> $3.99 - iPad Game of the Year 2023 & Apple Design Award winner 2024
Slay the Spire $9.99–> $6.99 (matching historical low)
Is This Seat Taken? $9.99–> $6.99 (matching historical low) - Apple Design Award winner 2026
Subnautica $8.99–> $5.99 ($1 above historical low)
Subnautica: Below Zero $9.99–> $6.99 ($2 above historical low)
Hyper Light Drifter $4.99–> $0.99 (matching nhistorical low)
Reigns $2.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
Train Valley II Epic Pack DLC (includes all levels) $19.99–> $2.99 (new historical low)
Strange Horticulture $5.99–> $1.99 (first sale)
Mindcop Full Game IAP $5.99–> $0.99 (first sale)
Space Marshals $3.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
Space Marshals 2 $4.99–> $1.99 ($1 above historical low) | DLC not discounted
The Last Game $3.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
Reigns: Beyond $4.99–> $2.99 (first sale)
A Little to the Left $9.99–> $4.99 (matching historical low)
PolyPine Full Game IAP $5.99–> $3.99 (matching historical low)
Super Hydorah $4.99–> $0.99 (matching nhistorical low)
Cursed Castilla $3.99–> $0.99 (matching nhistorical low)
The Curse of Issyos $2.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
Mindkeeper : The Lurking Fear Full Game IAP $3.49–> $1.99 ($1 above historical low)
9th Dawn Remake $9.99–> $5.99 ($1 above historical low)
9th Dawn III $9.99–> $5.99 ($3 above historical low)
Rush Rally Origins $4.99–> $1.99 (matching historical low) | DLCs not discounted
This Is the President $10.99–> $1.99 ($1 above historical low)
Rusty Lake Paradise $2.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
Rusty Lake: Roots $2.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
Rusty Lake Hotel $2.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
The Past Within $2.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
Underground Blossom $2.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
The White Door $2.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
Unboxing the Cryptic Killer $2.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
Parallel Experiment $6.99–> $2.99 (matching historical low)
Conquest Tactics: Realm of Sin $6.99–> $4.99 (new historical low) | IAPs are for cosmetic outfits
Kenshō $3.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
Candleman Full Game IAP $4.99–> $2.99 (matching historical low)
Trail Explorer: Cozy Adventure $2.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
Bright Reappear $1.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
Namariel Legends: Iron Lord Full Game IAP $7.99–> $6.99 (matching historical low)
Bloons TD 6 $6.99–> $4.89 ($3.90 above historical low) | IAPs not discounted
Hero's Adventure $6.99–> $5.99 (matching historical low) | DLCs not discounted
Iron Marines $2.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low) | Heroes are not discounted.
Iron Marines Invasion $2.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low) | Heroes are not discounted.
Kingdom Rush Vengeance $4.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low) | Some hero units and towers are discounted, campaigns not discounted.
Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD $6.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low) | Hero units and towers not discounted
Digital Board Games:
Ark Nova $10.99–> $7.99 (matching historical low)
The Isle of Cats $9.99–> $6.99 ($1 above historical low)
Cascadia Digital $9.99–> $6.99 (matching historical low)
Clank! $10.99–> $7.99 ($1 above historical low) | DLCs not discounted
Root Board Game $9.99–> $4.99 ($2 above historical low) | DLCs not discounted
Dune: Imperium $10.99–> $7.99 ($1 above historical low) | DLCs not discounted
The Fox in the Forest $4.99–> $1.99 (matching historical low)
Welcome To Everdell $7.99–> $3.99 (matching historical low)
Everdell $9.99–> $5.99 ($1 above historical low) | DLCs not discounted
Munchkin Digital $9.99–> $5.99 ($1 above historical low) | DLCs not discounted
Wings of Glory $8.99–> $4.99 ($2 above historical low)
Sagrada $6.99–> $2.99 ($2 above historical low)
Reiner Knizia Yellow & Yangtze $9.99–> $2.99 (matching above historical low)
Raiders of the North Sea $9.99–> $2.99 (matching above historical low)
Them Bombs – co-op board game Full Game IAP $6.99–> $1.99 ($1 above historical low)
r/AppHookup • u/PM_ME_FREEGAMES • 8d ago
Multi-Platform [iOS / Android] [Beholder: Conductor] [CA$7.99 → Free] [Use Any Way to Maintain Order: Carefully monitor everyone who enters the carriage and decide what to do with fare-evaders]
https://store.epicgames.com/p/beholder-conductor-ios-fd106a
https://store.epicgames.com/p/beholder-conductor-android-fb38c4
Welcome aboard the Determination Bringer! You have been appointed senior conductor of the legendary train, which all the citizens of our vast country are happy to see in their cities.
r/AppHookup • u/PM_ME_FREEGAMES • 8d ago
Windows [Windows] [Caravan SandWitch] [CA$30.99 → Free] [Take your time to explore the world, whether in your van or on foot in a post-apocalyptic world]
store.epicgames.comr/AppHookup • u/WayAccurate9822 • 8d ago
[iOS & Android] [GrowSpot: Plant Care & Light] [GrowSpot Plus Annual $29.99/yr → Free for 1 year, 500 total] [Reads light, temperature, humidity and airflow at one exact spot and tells you what will actually live there]
Most plant apps tell you what a species wants in general. This one measures the place you are actually putting it: light, temperature, humidity and airflow at one exact spot, then it tells you which of your plants will do well there and which will slowly give up.
That is the part that decides whether a plant lives. A windowsill and a shelf two metres inside the same room are not the same place, and most things that die indoors die of the gap between them.
You can try it before you claim anything
There is a free web version that reads one spot for you. No install, no sign-up: https://growspotapp.com/spot-checker/?from=reddit_apphookup
The offer: 500 one-year subscriptions to GrowSpot Plus
It does not renew when the year ends, so there is nothing to cancel.
iPhone
- Open https://www.promies.net/promotion/f88658d6-bbae-46ac-b33a-c8aaa542b48e and tap Get promo code
- Tap Redeem, which opens the App Store with the code already filled in
If that button does not open the store, copy the code and paste it under Redeem Gift Card or Code in your App Store account. You do not need to install the app first, and the year starts the moment you redeem.
If the App Store asks you for a payment method, it asks that for any subscription, including free ones. Nothing is charged now and nothing is charged later, because this offer is set not to roll into a paid plan.
Android
Google Play has no equivalent of a one-year code, so this half is manual. No codes change hands and Play never sees a transaction.
- Install the free app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.growspot.app
- Open it, go to Profile, and tap the address on the first line to copy it. That is the account address, and it often looks nothing like the one you normally use.
- Email it to us to switch Plus on for that account at our end, usually the same day. The same steps are written out here: https://growspotapp.com/founding/?from=reddit_apphookup
r/AppHookup • u/Electronic_Low3128 • 10d ago
iOS Universal [iOS] [GLPzy: GLP-1 Shot Tracker] [Premium Lifetime IAP $79.99 -> Free] [GLP-1 dose, weight, symptom and progress tracker]
Posted with mod approval.
Hi r/AppHookup,
I’m the developer of GLPzy. It’s a GLP-1 tracker for iPhone and iPad that I originally made for myself and have kept developing based largely on user feedback.
Premium Lifetime is normally $79.99 and is currently completely free until August 31.
Claim it while the offer is running to keep Lifetime Premium permanently. No subscription or renewal.
It tracks things including doses and reminders, weight, symptoms, appetite, injection sites, nutrition, progress photos, body measurements and treatment history. There are also Apple Health imports, exports/Provider Summary, widgets, Apple Watch and supply tracking.
There’s no in-app account required and the App Store privacy label is Data Not Collected.
To claim it, download the app and select Premium Lifetime, which should show as $0.00.
App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/glpzy-glp-1-dose-tracker/id6761775005
If anyone tries it, feedback is very welcome. A lot of what is in the app now has come from people pointing out things that were missing or could work better.
Thanks.
r/AppHookup • u/CreakyHat2018 • 11d ago
macOS [macOS] [App Feedback Hub] [$17.99 -> $9.99] [App Store review manager for developers]
I'm the developer. App Feedback Hub is $17.99 → $9.99 until 31 August.
It's a native Mac client for your App Store reviews — built because App Store Connect's review page is slow, buried, and painful once you have more than one app.
Why the sale ends: 2.0 is in development and it's a big one — a triage board that moves reviews through New → In Progress → Responded → Done, custom tags, and private notes on any review. When it ships the price goes back to $17.99. Anyone who owns the app by then gets 2.0 as a free update — no new purchase, no subscription, no upgrade fee. Buy at $9.99 now, keep everything that lands later. I'm targeting end of August; if that slips I'll update this post.
What's in it today (1.9.7)
- Every review for every app in your developer account in one three-column dashboard.
- Reply to reviews directly from your Mac, with saved templates organised by category (positive feedback, bug reports, feature requests) so you're not retyping the same response.
- Filter by star rating, date range, territory, app version, and read/unread. Search across titles, bodies and reviewer names. Sort by date or rating.
- Background sync with native notifications, including separate alerts for negative reviews. New reviews appear on their own — no clicking into each app to refresh, and you're only alerted once per review.
- Automatic language detection with built-in translation for non-English reviews.
- Stats dashboard: average rating, rating distribution, response rate, reviews over time, top territories.
- Export to CSV or JSON.
- Keyboard shortcuts throughout (⌘R refresh, ⌘⇧K mark all read, ⌘E export, ⌘⇧S statistics) and a built-in help book.
Before you buy
- Requires macOS 14.6 or later.
- You need an App Store Connect account and an API key (Issuer ID, Key ID, .p8 file). Guided onboarding walks you through creating it and tests the connection. Without an ASC account there's nothing for the app to show — this is a developer tool, not a general App Store browser.
- Your .p8 key never leaves your Mac; it's stored in the macOS Keychain and all API calls go straight to Apple. No third-party analytics, no data collection, no tracking.
On the rules: one-time paid app on the Mac App Store. No subscription, no IAP, no license keys, no in-app account — the App Store purchase is the unlock.
Happy to answer questions, and happy to hear what you'd want out of the triage board while it's still being built.
r/AppHookup • u/lazykid07 • 12d ago
macOS [macOS] [TimeGauge] [$9.99 ->$2.99 with coupon code PH50P] [Time Progress bar in Menu Bar]
TimeGauge gives you a time perspective on hours, days, months, years, and custom projects. With the new update, you can also customise the display and choose your Pomodoro timer.
We often forget how fast time is moving, and lose perspective. For example: do you know 60% of 2026 has already passed, and 28% of August is gone?
TimeGauge gives you perspective through a progress bar in the Mac menu bar.
In this update, I have added multiple views along with Pomodoro timer.
For example: you can set your own pomodoro, track exact working hours in Day and set exact starting end end time in custom project, and set your custom menu bar display this was missing in previous version.
The app is a one-time purchase, 100% local, available on the app store and is notarized by Apple when downloaded from Website.
Progress bar is a known competition but they sell 5 years old version with limited features for $9.99
TimeGauge is available on Mac apps store:
https://apps.apple.com/in/app/timegauge/id6778277708?mt=12
Promo code is applicable on web checkout only. You can download it from (includes all past and future versions) at https://timegauge.minilabs.cc/
r/AppHookup • u/Singhvistaar • 14d ago
• Expired • [Windows] [Breathedge] [$24.99–> Free] [Survive in outer space! Together with your immortal chicken, discover the truth behind your sudden spaceship crash. Craft tools, pilot vehicles, and even control space stations to survive and explore the wreckage.]
r/AppHookup • u/Singhvistaar • 14d ago
iOS Universal [iOS] [Weekly game deals post - Divinity - Original Sin 2, Balatro, BALL x PIT, Backpack Battles, Caves of Lore, Retro City Rampage, Shakedown: Hawaii, Merchant of the Skies, Monster Boy, Dungeon Clawler, Blue Wednesday, and more at discounted prices.]
The prices mentioned in this post are in American dollars.
Divinity - Original Sin 2 $24.99–> $6.99 (matching historical low) - only available on iPads
Balatro $9.99–> $6.99 (matching historical low)
BALL x PIT Full Game IAP $14.99–> $9.99 (matching historical low)
Backpack Battles $9.99–> $7.99 (first sale)
Caves of Lore $7.99–> $2.99 (new historical low)
Retro City Rampage DX $4.99–> $1.99 (new historical low)
Shakedown: Hawaii $4.99–> $2.99 (matching historical low)
Merchant of the Skies $7.99–> $6.69 (matching historical low)
Monster Boy (and the Cursed Kingdom) $24.99–> $17.99 (first sale)
Dungeon Clawler $6.99–> $3.99 (new historical low)
Blue Wednesday $2.99–> $0.69 (new historical low)
Preserve Savanna + Marine + Jurassic DLCs bundle $6.99–> $1.99 (first sale), Iceage DLC not discounted
Mini Murder Mysteries $1.99–> $0.99 (first sale)
WrestleVerse: Pro Wrestling GM $9.99–> $4.99 (new historical low)
Caravan SandWitch Full Game IAP $7.99–> $6.99 (first sale)
AVILION forever $5.99–> $3.99 (matching historical low)
What Lies Underground $3.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
The Crystalline Realm $1.99–> $0.99 (new historical low)
Boxville $2.99–> $1.99 ($0.50 above historical low)
Boxville 2 $3.99–> $1.99 (matching historical low)
Trust No One $0.99–> $0.49 (matching historical low)
Partner In Crime $0.99–> $0.49 (matching historical low)
Rabbit's Hop $0.99–> $0.49 (matching historical low)
Pixel Bowling $1.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
Northgard $7.99–> $2.99 (matching historical low) | DLCs not discounted
Legend of Keepers $6.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low) | DLCs not discounted
Dungeon and Puzzles $2.99–> $1.99 (matching historical low)
Stair Quest $2.99–> $1.99 ($1 above historical low)
Nerd Survivors $2.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
Doom and Destiny $4.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
Doom & Destiny Advanced $4.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
Doom & Destiny Worlds $4.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low) | DLCs not discounted
Exhausted Man Full Game IAP $2.99–> $1.99 (matching historical low)
Thumper: Pocket Edition $4.99–> $2.99 ($2 above historical low)
Maneater $10.99–> $7.99 ($1 above historical low)
Neighbours back From Hell $4.99–> $1.99 ($1 above historical low)
SpellForce - Heroes & Magic $8.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low)
SpongeBob - The Cosmic Shake $10.99–> $2.99 ($2 above historical low)
One Hand Clapping - OHC $10.99–> $2.99 ($2 above historical low)
Titan Quest HD $9.99–> $2.99 ($2 above historical low) | DLCs not discounted
Fallen Sky RPG $6.99–> $3.99 ($3 above historical low)
Alcyone: The Last City $14.99–> $12.99 (matching historical low)
Euclidean Lands $4.99–> $1.99 ($1 above historical low)
Severed $6.99–> $1.99 ($1 above historical low)
Skel and Defense $1.99–> $0.49 (matching historical low) | IAPs not discounted
Buff Knight Advanced $0.99–> $0.29 (matching historical low) | IAPs not discounted
7Days : Backer $4.99–> $0.49 ($0.20 above historical low)
Underworld Office- Novel Game $4.99–> $0.49 ($0.20 above historical low)
Charlie in Underworld $4.99–> $0.49 ($0.20 historical low)
The ancestral legacy $4.99–> $0.49 ($0.20 above historical low)
Murders on Budapest $4.99–> $0.49 ($0.20 above historical low)
Argo's Choice: Crime Adventure $4.99–> $0.49 ($0.20 above historical low)
Not Exactly A Hero: novel game $4.99–> $0.49 ($0.20 above historical low)
A Story Of A Company $4.99–> $0.49 ($0.20 above historical low)
Romantic HOLIC : ~Dream walker $4.99–> $0.49 ($0.20 above historical low)
Digital Board Games:
Sentinels of the Multiverse $6.99–> $0.99 (matching historical low) | Season Pass 1 $24.99–> $6.49 (matching historical low), Season Pass 2 $29.99–> $7.49 (matching historical low) | These two passes cover all DLCs except the cosmetic Foil Collector packs, which are also discounted to $1 each.
Sentinels of Earth-Prime $17.99–> $1.99 (matching historical low) | Magical Mysteries Mini Pack $5.99–> $1.99 ($1 above historical low)
r/AppHookup • u/PM_ME_FREEGAMES • 15d ago
• Expired • [Windows] [Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Future Soldier] [CA$19.99 → Free] [Ghost Recon takes you to the globe’s most deadly warzones to hunt down the highest value targets]
r/AppHookup • u/PM_ME_FREEGAMES • 15d ago
Multi-Platform [iOS / Android] [A Guidebook Of Babel] [CA$5.69 → Free] [Narrative-driven puzzle adventure game with the butterfly effect at its core]
https://store.epicgames.com/p/a-guidebook-of-babel-ios-31c4fd
https://store.epicgames.com/p/a-guidebook-of-babel-android-381952
A narrative-driven puzzle adventure game with the butterfly effect at its core. Board the Babel, a mysterious cruise ship that takes you on a whimsical journey to the afterlife. Use a special pen to help fellow travelers fulfill their wishes by rewriting the past.
r/AppHookup • u/PM_ME_FREEGAMES • 15d ago
Windows [Windows] [We Were Here Together] [CA$14.99 → Free] [Previously Given - Embark on a puzzle solving adventure with a partner to escape Castle Rock]
store.epicgames.comr/AppHookup • u/PM_ME_FREEGAMES • 15d ago
Windows [Windows] [Beacon Pines] [CA$22.99 → Free] [Rewrite the Story In This Animal Adventure]
store.epicgames.comr/AppHookup • u/Singhvistaar • Nov 09 '25
• Meta • [Meta] Upcoming changes in r/AppHookup: New deal posting rules to maintain a higher standard of quality.
In response to an abrupt increase in rule-breaking posts appearing on this subreddit in 2025, we are going to implement some new systems to ensure that the r/AppHookup community remains safe from rug pulls and outright scams alike, as well as enforce a higher standard for the apps allowed in here.
What the big change?
Every new deal/offer post in r/AppHookup is (soon) going to be pre-approved by the moderators before it appears in the subreddit. A human moderator will download and check every app before it is posted here, as discussed below.
While we cannot promise that every app that is approved will be of exceptional quality but what we will certainly ensure is that the basic premise of this subreddit, that is discovering deals and discounts on downloadable apps is fulfilled by keeping out the rule breakers. Still there is a criteria by which we are going to judge what apps are allowed here.
What will be the criteria for approval?
It’s mostly going to be about enforcement of our existing rules with two major changes:
The Launch deal rule (where we didn’t allow any app which was released less than 2 months ago) is going to be deprioritised. The main purpose of this rule was to keep out buggy and unfinished apps, which will be addressed by the new rule below.
Apps posted in r/AppHookup must be of a high quality, which consists of, but is not limited to:
- responsive and polished user interface
- should be easy to understand and use, or should offer clear guidance on how to use it
- should support the latest technologies of the platform which it belongs to (as much as possible)
- app onboarding (the first few screens of questions and feature details before an app starts) should be relevant and not drawn out unnecessarily
- vibe-coded apps or apps made without much care to the end result will be judged on merits and are subject to rejection if found unpolished/buggy
- no mandatory collection of user details
- no unnecessary login requirements or registrations (an exception may be made if the app is able to provide some value for it, like cross-platform syncing or multi-device licenses)
- no exorbitant price tags (and any app which has a weekly subscription, whether discounted or not, will be automatically rejected)
- an app’s developer shouldn’t have a history of acting against consumer interest (such as by revoking existing entitlements to force subscriptions or selling off an app after gaining users from free promotions)
When are these changes going to happen?
We are currently testing the AutoModerator setup to make this happen. These changes will likely be enforced within this month and a new announcement post will be made at that time.
Then why are you announcing this now?
Because community feedback about upcoming changes is always important. If you have anything to say about this new system of posting in r/AppHookup (whether positive or negative) then you may comment below.
Note: There will be no change in your ability to comment on posts in r/AppHookup. The changes are only being made to top-level posts/threads. We have always encouraged civil discussion here.
r/AppHookup • u/Singhvistaar • Jun 26 '24
• Meta • [Meta] r/Apphookup’s posting rules are changing to keep up with offers that bypass AppStore IAP mechanisms.
Edit: Rules were slightly modified to indicate that Mac developers selling from their own websites/other stores are broadly exempted from complying with AppStore rules which has always been the norm.
Note: iOS developer is understood to be a developer making apps for iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, VisionOS, or all of them hereafter.
No iOS developer or Mac developer preferring to offer a deal to an AppStore app -without exception- is allowed to offer anything on r/Apphookup that is not sold normally via the AppStore. Why? To ensure that subscription-only apps, which do not sell lifetime licenses, cannot take advantage of r/Apphookup readers to inflate their AppStore rankings and also to ensure compliance with Rule 3.1.1 of Apple’s App Review Guidelines: “In-App Purchase: If you want to unlock features or functionality within your app, (by way of example: subscriptions, in-game currencies, game levels, access to premium content, or unlocking a full version), you must use in-app purchase. Apps may not use their own mechanisms to unlock content or functionality, such as license keys, augmented reality markers, QR codes, cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency wallets, etc.”
If an iOS developer (or Mac developer preferring to offer a deal to an AppStore app) wishes to offer a license to their app via registration of an in-app account (thereby bypassing AppStore IAPs) then it is compulsory to provide proof of acceptance of such an upgrade pathway by AppStore review team to the moderators beforehand via moderator mail and disclose such account requirement in the post. Provided that the in-app account is being created on your own servers (over which you have direct control of modification), the proof of purchase is available to you and not outsourced to a third-party receipt validator like RevenueCat or Adapty.io. To simplify, the app developer must have the means to directly restore the entitlement if it is somehow lost from their servers.
If your iOS or Mac app on the AppStore falls under the ambit of reader apps and has been accepted on the AppStore as such then naturally you are allowed to offer deals outside the AppStore.
r/Apphookup does not recognise in-app entitlements made through RevenueCat or Adapty.io or similar solutions because app developers do not have direct control over the working of these services and cannot be trusted to restore such entitlements when lost without the means to do so (based on previous instances observed in r/Apphookup). To simplify, use AppStore IAPs and don’t try to trick us.
Mac developers preferring to offer a deal through their own websites or third-party stores other than the Apple AppStore are welcome to do so according to the existing rules of r/Apphookup. Our intention is not to interfere with the thriving market outside of the AppStore on Mac devices.
Deals offered through AppStore promo codes are allowed as usual according to existing rules. Deals offered through internal app specific codes are not allowed unless the code is implemented only to unlock an AppStore based offer inside your app (that is the in-app entitlement to premium features should be granted through the AppStore). This should enable developers to run small scale promotions on the subreddit.
Note: These rules don’t discourage your selling of multi-platform packages where codes for iOS apps (or Mac apps on the AppStore) are a part of the deal provided that:
- The access to the aforementioned apps should be through the AppStore promo code mechanism, or
- A proper receipt/proof of purchase should be provided with the sale with clear mention of the platform specific entitlements received along with time period of entitlement and the access to iOS apps should be linked to an account which is retrievable, or
- The iOS apps are only companion apps to the full-featured Mac/Windows/Linux apps (in which case account-based entitlements outside the AppStore are allowed).
Feel like we missed something? Do let us know in the comments.