Google Play Store to soon let you pay for an app’s subscription even without downloading it

Looks like Android app developers will have a new way to market their app’s subscription models in future. The search giant confirmed to TechCrunch that with a new model, which is under tests, consumers will be able to purchase subscriptions outside of the app. This means that they won’t have to click through in-app pop-ups every time to read the details and choose the subscription. Instead, they will be able to get subscriptions directly from Google Play even if the app is not installed on their handsets.

This is not a new feature though. Google did talk about it in a recent blog post but failed to give details on it. Here’s what it said:

“Billing Library version 3 unlocks the ability for users to discover and purchase items outside of your app, such as across the Play store. One example is the new frictionless subscription promo code redemption experience. Now when you offer promo codes for subscription free trials, users can easily redeem them in the Play store - even if your app isn’t installed yet. It’s a simple redeem, subscribe and install experience that reduces the effort required for users to get going.”

Also read: Google removes 38 fraudulent camera apps from Play Store: Here’s the list

When this is implemented, users will see an additional ‘Free trial & install’ button besides ‘Install’ in the app listing page. Clicking this will let you easily purchase the subscription. Beneath the two buttons, the listing is supposed to show details on the subscription model as it is seen in the image shared.

This move by Google not only makes the entire process more transparent but will also help developers get more valuable users who are likely to pay and won’t uninstall the app after facing a subscription roadblock.