Apple to pull the plug on app developers who dupe users with expensive subscriptions

Cupertino giant Apple has updated its app policy to pull the plug on dubious app developers who end up charging their users extra than what they were supposed to charge by keeping the actual terms hidden under fine print.

The updated App Store subscriptions policy now explains all the steps the app developers need to follow to convey the actual terms of use to their users.

According to the revised policy on the Apple website, app developers are now required to make the subscriptions options open and transparent. App developers are also recommended to ask users for the only information that is necessary, in addition to explaining the terms and specifying how free trials work.

Apple has taken these steps to enhance user experience and make signup process effortless. At times, untrustworthy app developers do not clearly state if the billing will be done before or after the trial is over, which results in long bills that users often fail to recall signing up for.

Apple now also recommends app developers to allow users to try their content before they subscribe so that they know what they paying for.

Certain apps and services on Apple App Store offer subscription-based access to their content. Unlike single item purchases, subscriptions automatically renew until you manually put an end to them.

Auto-renewable subscriptions include Apple Music, Apple News, newspaper and magazine subscriptions, in addition to in-app subscriptions for content or services like HBO NOW, Spotify, Pandora, Hulu, etc.

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How to manage your subscriptions

Step 1: iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch users should navigate to Settings > Your name > iTunes & App Store. Now, tap your Apple ID at the top of the screen >Tap View Apple ID. You might also need to sign in with your Apple ID.

Step 2: Scroll and tap the option 'Subscriptions.' Now tap the subscription you want to manage.

Step 3: Mac or PC users need to go to iTunes. Navigate to the menu bar at the top of your computer screen or at the top of the iTunes window. Now, simply choose Account and tap 'View My Account.'

Step 4: Sign in with your Apple ID. Hit 'View Account.' Scroll to the Settings section. Hit 'Manage.' Now click the option 'Edit' for any subscription you want to manage.

In case you are being charged for a subscription, but you are unable to find it in your list of subscriptions, Apple says it might be billed through someone other than Apple. Similarly, Apple users can cancel their subscription. Upon cancelling the subscription, will stop charging you at the end of the existing billing cycle.

(With agency inputs)