New App Store subscription rules take effect in South Korea, impacting app offers and trials

As of February 14, 2025, Apple has introduced new changes in South Korea for developers offering trials and promotional pricing for auto-renewing subscriptions. The updated rules, now in effect, require app developers to obtain additional user consent when offering trials or discounts before a subscription transitions to a standard paid plan.

To align with these new policies, developers must secure explicit approval from users within 30 days of their payment or conversion date. This rule applies specifically to free trials converting into paid subscriptions and discounted subscription offers that later switch to full-price plans. The App Store has implemented measures to assist in this process, notifying affected users via email, push notifications, and an in-app consent form. Subscribers must confirm their agreement to the updated pricing before their subscription continues.

These new regulations do not affect subscriptions that immediately begin at full price without any preceding free or discounted period. Developers operating in South Korea should ensure compliance to avoid disruptions to their subscription-based services.