Apple is adding the “monthly but 12-month commitment” pricing to the App Store. People generally hate how Adobe handles this. Apple’s UI is fairly clear, but I still expect user confusion.

I don’t even like showing the monthly estimated price for a year subscription. Better to avoid those gimmicks.

@manton I don't have a problem with showing the equivalent monthly price of a yearly subscription, but I it crosses a sharp line when you have to keep paying in the future for something that you don't want anymore.

This mechanism breeds resentment (time shares, phone companies, gym memberships)

@manton I agree, this is just going to create confusion. I also strongly dislike showing a calculated monthly rate on an annual subscription.

@apike I agree the 12-month commitment crosses a line. I still don’t like showing monthly pricing for something that is billed yearly, but it doesn’t feel unfair like the 12-month trick does.

@johnbrayton Yep, if a price says monthly, I think you should be charged once a month. This 12-month thing is only going to make users more confused.

@manton To be fair monthly estimates help you budget. Because in the end you only pay the monthly amount each month. As long as you make user aware that the subscription isn’t monthly but annual, the pricing display is fine.

@manton It's not even just fairness – billing people repeatedly in the future for a zero-marginal-cost things they don't want anymore but can't halt feels immoral. I don't want it, it doesn't cost you money to give it to me, but you'll keep dinging me. Bad vibes

@manton now when apps sign people up with a free trial that continues into a payment, instead of goodwill subscribing for a month as a user now need to treat all subscriptions with a dose of scepticism, because you could be on the hook for a year!