3 years and generosity, and no answer yet, so I will try to give some idea of the state of things. I will beware, this is not a topic for the topic on this site, nor is this modified fragment from the MIT License :
INFORMATION IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTY OF A COMMERCIAL VALUE, SUITABILITY FOR ANY DETERMINED PURPOSE. IN NO CIRCUMSTANCES THE AUTHOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CLAIMS, DAMAGES OR OTHER RESPONSIBILITY, AS IN THE CONDITION OF THE CONTRACT, THE ACTION OR OTHERWISE ARISING FROM THE DISCLAIMER OR CONCLUSION OR ANY OTHERWISE.
First of all, as many comments have noted, most applications simply flop at that moment. There is a pretty significant barrier to entry into the app store model, and a huge amount of apps for sale / for free is just one reason.
Secondly, if there was a cheaper way to get to the application store at this place, it would most likely provide even more skins. Apple already guarantees $ 99 each year from developers, so I'm sure they are more than happy with this model. They do not need to rely on the performance of many (or in this case, many many).
However, there are several different ways to publish applications: the first three are officially authorized methods
- Individual program ($ 99 per year)
- Organization Program ($ 99 per seat per year)
- Corporate program ($ 299 per year Internal distribution aka: no application store)
Now there is also the somewhat controversial Jailbreaking method, which is not explicitly authorized by Apple and may not be legal in your country. However, so far this one has been legal in the USA and Canada and some others.
The most common “store” outside the app store is Cydia , and some publishers even sell apps here. This, too, is not illegal in itself, but again this is a gray area, and you would be better advised to seek legal advice if you seriously want to continue.
Another disadvantage is that your customers will also need to use Jailbreak for their systems in order to purchase them in such a store. Thus, you are likely to tune in to a more advanced user form, which is also more likely to circumvent any security measures that your product may have.
I am not a lawyer, but from what I can say, there is nothing stopping the publishing model mentioned above. Apple allowed the transfer and sale of applications , which is pretty close to what you describe. Theoretically, you can come to an agreement with a third-party publisher who will pay for participation in the Apple developer program. They will publish the application with their credentials and act in accordance with the specified agreement regarding payment, royalties, etc.
However, I do not know any existing publisher working under this model. You are likely to be in compliance with both Apple and this new organization for approval. If this model falls on it, it is also likely that Apple will change the terms of its service, as they are entitled from time to time. He will then take further legal measures to combat any additional provisions here.
Note. For some time, it is also possible to hide code signing . This again is not what Apple wants you to do, but there is nothing illegal, at least in some countries, as mentioned above. This allows you to develop and test your Jailbroken device.
I hope you find this information helpful.