The availability of applications for Apple’s mobile operating system at no cost is a temporary shift in pricing strategy implemented by developers. These applications, originally offered at a price, become accessible for download and use without charge for a limited period. A typical example involves a premium photo editing application that is normally priced at $4.99, being offered freely for a duration of 24 hours as a promotional tactic.
This occurrence offers several advantages to users. It provides an opportunity to explore and utilize software that might otherwise be considered too expensive or not worth the initial investment. Furthermore, it encourages app discovery and allows developers to broaden their user base, potentially leading to increased in-app purchases or future upgrades. Historically, this practice has been employed as a marketing tool to boost app visibility and drive downloads within the competitive app marketplace.