Apple has applied for a new patent that will facilitate advanced peer-to peer sharing of apps between iOS devices. According to the Patently Apple website, the US Patent & Trademark Office has published a patent application from Apple that outlines a new method that will enable users to directly transfer apps to another party, which allows them to test a version of the app before buying it. The new technology could have a profound effect on the way popular apps are shared between peers, and therefore become a key tool in maximising sales for developers. Many of the most popular apps in the App Store have achieved success through ‘word of mouth’ and user recommendations, but these must still be fully downloaded in the usual way to be accessed by new users.

According to the report, the new patent will allow users “to experiment with smaller and perhaps unknown apps” without buying them by receiving them directly from a peer. This works by establishing a connection between two iOS devices with one able to send the other a full copy of the application, a limited copy of the application and/or an application seed. Using the technology, each iOS app will have its own sharing preferences, which dictates how it can be shared. For example, a transferred free app could be fully functional, but paid apps would be made available either with limited functionality or as an app that expires after a trial period. In the case of paid titles, the application seed can be used to purchase and retrieve the full version of the program once a demo version expires.

Patently Apple notes that Apple is expected to include incentives for users to share their apps with others in this way, which could include money, store credit, coupons, promotional items (real or digital), and an ‘improved status.’

Read the full report on the new patent here