It's an anniversary for one of Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) most popular services, but for reasons that haven't been fully explained, it's app users who are getting all the gifts.
Shortly before the company's App Store turned five years old, Apple began making a series of its most popular iOS titles free for the first time. Some of the apps on the list are originally relatively pricey, while others represent some of its biggest hits, including Tiny Wings and Where's My Water? Beyond the obvious benefits to consumers, the interest in free apps might encourage them to browse other apps, boosting the discoverability possibilities for developers.
Hit iOS apps, games offered free ahead of App Store's fifth anniversary $AAPL http://t.co/SF29fQMnx1
— FierceMobileContent (@FierceMobiCo) July 8, 2013
Not surprisingly, developers were quick to share the news among their followers on Twitter. For some it was just a moment of pure excitement:
Happy 5th anniversary, @AppStore! Let's celebrate that with a big bunch of free apps/games! http://t.co/jBRoy2joN2 /cc @Larkef
— Jermaine · Dviate (@dviate) July 8, 2013
The amount of epicness in this free app list is mind blowing: http://t.co/BdAbILvOZz
— Jord Riekwel (@Larkef) July 8, 2013
get get get http://t.co/g4qTqPA3sW
— Alex Brie (@alexbrie) July 8, 2013
So... Day One and a bunch of other great apps are free right now. HIGHLY recommend picking them up if you haven't http://t.co/UyQaBfnNkn
— Parker Wightman (@parkerwightman) July 8, 2013
Although many apps are only 99 cents to begin with, there were suggestions that consumers could get real value by taking advantage of Apple's anniversary sale.
Bunch of good iOS games/apps are free today. Like $60 worth http://t.co/ZiQw4s8Jyl
— Daniel (@pontelon) July 8, 2013
A number of developers and users not only shared the news but used it as an opportunity to promote their own apps on the list or simply their personal favorites:
Badland included! > Apple makes top iOS apps free ahead of App Store 5th anniversary http://t.co/1JMYSCZll7
— Mika Porspakka (@mikap) July 8, 2013
Including @dayoneapp! RT @appleinsider: Apple takes popular iOS apps free as App Store 5th anniversary approaches http://t.co/yRUi8bCOc8
— Belle (@BelleBethCooper) July 8, 2013
Bunch of free iOS apps today, including the rather fun Traktor DJ. http://t.co/8OoKaqPycj
— Pete Ashton (@peteashton) July 8, 2013
Infinity Blade II and Swords & Sworcery are currently free on the app store. http://t.co/nkuKWOGwrv
— Jonathan Cooper (@GameAnim) July 8, 2013
Of course, this being Apple, there are always a few conspiracy theories:
I think Apple made http://t.co/V31HMH0n5j these apps free so we run out of storage space and need to buy an iPhone 5S!
— Jon Winstanley (@JonWinstanley) July 8, 2013