App Store submission of two related apps that work as a pair [closed]

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I have two separate iOS apps, one is a client and one is a server. They need to be used together, either by itself is useless. Clients are free, server has a cost to use.

I know I can submit this as a single app, and maybe have the server functionality be unlocked with an In App Purchase.

But what if I want to submit this as two separate apps? What is the procedure to submit two related apps for Apple review? I can set the release date for each of them to a date in the future in case one gets approved and the other is rejected and needs rehabilitation. That way I can coordinate a single launch date for both of them once both have been approved.

Anyone with experience they would be willing to share?

Here is an example of why I might want to do this: Let's say my server app is very large in size because it has content, graphics, whatever. The server is used at a large gathering and many people want to join the fun as clients. They all need to download the client app over cellular data at the venue at that time. I want the related client app to have a small footprint.

Answer 1

To get around the client server uselessness without the other, first submit a paid app that does both, then submit the free client, then submit the paid server, then, if sales and revenue trends so indicate this to be a revenue optimization, remove the combo app from sale.

Answer 2

They need to be used together, either by itself is useless.

This is the reason why you should make a single app with the server functionality locked as an In App Purchase. Think about it again.

• People who download a free client version cannot use it anyway without buying another app. Not good.
• People who download a free client version cannot easily upgrade it to the full version. Not good.
• People who go through the hassle and install both apps have to somehow switch between them. They have one icon more on their home screen too.

If you can, ship a single app. Tell your users what's going on in the first-launch information view, letting them upgrade instantly.