Hello!
TL;DR
Is there a better/faster way to test monthly and yearly subs (i.e. start them, see them renew, see them expire and see the paywall come back in a matter a few hours) other than
1- install the app from TF using an AppleID that is a user of the app in App Store Connect and added to TF
2- sign out of the phone with that Apple ID
3- sign on the phone with another Apple ID that is only present in the sandbox of ASC (this one is not on TF so the first AppleID has to install the app on that phone for its benefit)
4- test the subs, with monthly renewing every 5 mins and yearly every 60 mins (and either expiring after a handful of times)
?
The problem with this is that if I have to reinstall the app to reset things, I have to sign out the sandbox only account, sign in the TF one, install from TF, sign out again, sign back in the sandbox account, test.
I’ve asked two GenAIs whether I should add the sandbox AppleID to app users and TF, they both said no. I can’t remember what I have tried at the time about TF accounts being also in the sandbox. But anyway, time has passed and I was wondering what people do.
FULL STORY
I was wondering what are people doing to test subs in iOS since the awful change that Apple brought about in December 2024.
Some context here:
Testflight Auto renewable subscirp… | Apple Developer Forums
New subscription renewal rate in … | Apple Developer Forums
We were all able to test subs quickly with normal AppleIDs that had been added to the app in ASC and to TF. Monthly subs would renew every 5 mins, yearly ones every 60, both for a few times before cancelling, allowing you to test the return of the paywall. Than Apple changed this, and such accounts would create subs that would renew every 24 hours and last for days on end (I’ve heard stories of over 20 days) and there was NO way to stop these and test cancellation and the return of the paywall.
To this day I can’t comprehend why Apple did this.
Above in the TL;DR is what I have been doing since, I wonder if there’s a better way that essentially allows an AppleID that can download test apps from TF to also test subs quickly. (ideally without having to code anything). Thanks!
What's your sub testing process/setup for iOS since the change Apple made in Dec 2024?
+2+2This is the nonsense and the hoops that Apple think it’s perfectly normal to impose on users, compared to the hassle-free functionality that was present before December 2024
Thank you for contacting Developer Support, my name is Samantha. Thank you for the information provided. I understand you are wanting a recommended approach to test in-app subscriptions quickly. It will be m y pleasure to assist you.
I can only provide administrative assistance to assist with TestFlight. Below is a few resources that will help you through the process.
Testing subscriptions and in-app purchases in TestFlight
You can also receive Code-level support as you are offered 2 incidents per year to use for code level support. They should get back to you at a minimum of 3 days.
We thank you for your patience in advance. Hopefully the information provided will help out.
If you have additional questions related to this request, please refer to case number XXXXXXX.
I hope you have a lovely day.
Best regards,
+1Hi
- Clearing the purchase history
- Changing the subscription product within a subscription group
- Canceling an active subscription
- Changing the renewal rate (IIRC, this only has an effect on Xcode sandbox builds)
You can reach this screen in the Settings app > Developer > Scroll all the way down to Sandbox Apple Account > Tap your account > Manage
By clearing the purchase history, you should be able to reset your app to a “fresh” state where there is no subscription and the paywall is displayed again.
Hope this helps!
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