Earlier this week, we noted that Apple has begun allowing users on older versions of iOS to download older versions of their previously purchased apps. This feature exists because some iOS users are running hardware that no longer supports newer versions of App Store applications. At launch, this feature was auto-activated for all developers, and these developers were not able to manage what users on older hardware could download. Now, Apple has informed developers that they could manage the availability of their legacy software:
Apple says that developers can conduct the app availability management via iTunes Connect, the web portal where all app management is conducted by developers.
The ability for developers to manage which legacy application versions could be downloaded by customers is critical. Some applications, such as server-based ones, will (on the backend) end support for older versions of applications. If a customer downloaded a legacy application that does not function properly, this would result in a negative user-experience for the customer. Now, developers could choose which of their older app versions is available for customers, making it simple for developers and customers to now avoid these potential issues.
