You can now pre-order apps in the App Store

Apple has launched a new, useful feature that lets you pre-order from the App Store. These apps then automatically get downloaded upon their release.

As per the announcement, a developer can put their app in the App Store up to 90 days in advance of its release, rather than only being able to publish their app when it’s ready to launch. Once it’s up, customers will be able to choose to pre-order it and have the app delivered when it’s ready.

Developers can offer both free and paid pre-orders. If the price changes during the pre-order period, customers will be charged whichever is lower.

While you may think why developers would feel the need to offer pre-orders, it would help gauge early interest in the app and help manage launch day server implications and other factors. Google offers a similar feature allowing customers to “pre-register” for an app release that notifies customers when an app is available but there is no procedure to pre-order as such.

Additionally, Apple has also launched new features for Sales and Trends as they release to pre-orders and subscriptions. Furthermore, introductory pricing is now available for auto-renewable subscriptions.