Apple said in a message that developers can now allow users to pre-order apps up to 180 days prior to their official launch. The company believes that this approach will help developers of software products to interest potential buyers, and will also stimulate the growth of the number of pre-orders.

As a reminder, the ability to place pre-orders became available to users of devices based on iOS, macOS, and tvOS in 2017. It was well-received by users who wanted to access an application as soon as it was published in the App Store. However, until now, developers could only publish their apps on the platform 90 days prior to launch. A change in the App Store policy will allow developers to start promoting a product at the development stage.

Developers who create not only paid but also free products will be able to publish their applications 180 days before release. Until the official launch of the app, users who have pre-ordered will not be charged. After the release of the application in the App Store, users will receive a notification that the purchased application will be automatically installed on the device within 24 hours.