The web threw a hissy fit a couple weeks ago after some screenshots of the iPhone 3.0 beta software indicated that you would have to re-purchase apps that you had removed from your iPhone or iPod touch. But it looks like everyone can calm down now. In the latest iPhone 3.0 GM build, which went live shortly after the WWDC keynote on Monday, the ability to re-download an app you’ve already purchased, looks to be have been restored.
The blog AppAdvice did some digging and found that the new iTunes 8.2 software apparently includes some logic which allows it to tell exactly which iTunes account is authorized for app purchases made. This is to prevent users from sharing apps by signing out of one iTunes account and into another one on the iPhone itself.
As was previously reported, with the iPhone 3.0 beta builds you could re-download apps for free on iTunes on the computer, but if you tried to do it on the device, you were prompted to buy it again. With the 3.0 GM software, after you sync it with you iTunes account, you will see the previous “You have already purchased this item. To download it again for free, select OK.” dialog.
It makes sense, Apple doesn’t want people swapping apps back and forth without paying for them, so it’s requiring that you tie your iPhone or iPod touch to the iTunes account on your computer that you bought the app with. The previous versions of iTunes simply didn’t have that pairing ability fully intact, but the 8.2 version does. And it works with the 3.0 GM. So, end of controversy.
ya you guys, chillax already
Shut up about the stupid iPhone. People think Bing is a dumb name, try iPhone.
Troll.
Ogre
I think this is still going to be a prob for us folks not in the US.
i.e I have two Itunes accounts, 1 US account to download apps that are not available on the local store. And a local Itunes account. I have purchased apps on both of these…. will wait to see what happens when i upgrade.
I have verified, the number of accounts is not an issue. As long as your itunes is authorized on each of these accounts you’ll be able to download using them freely from the device itself.
Nice Nic.
I am so tired of hearing about the iPhone EVERY DAY FOR YEARS ON END (or so it seems).
Looks like I’m going to have to give in to my temptation to unsubscribe from techcrunch.
I love how apple convinces people and bloggers to become an extension their marketing department for them.
I remember when TechCrunch used to be about technology and the internet. Now it’s apple this, apple that. Day in and day out.
I’ve even had to stop following some of my friends on twitter, because all THEY will talk about is apple this, apple that.
It’s tiring. It’s like Jehovah’s Witnesses knocking on your door EVERY DAY.
Wait, weren’t we just having this discussion about Twitter? Or maybe it was about Facebook? Or YouTube? I can’t remember anymore, we have this conversation so often.
I am also getting sick of the Iphone crap. I never once complained about twitter cause you know, it’s an internet company! Honestly, let engadget pick up iphone stuff.
Engadget does indeed report iPhone news, as should every tech related site: with x million sales of a single gadget per month, it’d be pretty remiss not to, especially as so much more changes about it day to day than your average gadget.
However, TechCrunch is a far better place to come for the comments, as Engadget’s are effectively owned by the trolls. It’s a puerile mess over there.
So I’ll be continuing to get my iPhone news here, thanks. At least I can read the comments and get some constructive insight.
Halle-fucking-lujah!
It looks nice, big deal. iTunes is a complete dog’s dinner. Finally someone else is not only realising that the Apple iPhone isn’t the be-all-and-end-all of all mod con of mobile technology but actually saying so!
Thank you Clint, important as it sometimes is, there are many better phones and more important issues regarding Apple Computer Co, rather than just this stupid bloody mobile device. I think it is a well marketed and overhyped bit of kit, and isn’t the techno-sheep have swallowed the marketing bait hook line and sinker.
Enough already!
Actually, the previous beta builds (at least beta 5) did have the ability, it was the previous iTunes builds (the beta 8.2 builds) that didn’t send the correct information to the phone. Since most people on the beta 8.2 builds never got an “update available” message most didn’t update when the final release was put out, myself included.
Gotcha, I’ll update thanks.
Thank goodness. I still have to update to the GM!
Well, I guess it’s really about clarifying what happened rather than *again* promoting apple or the iPhone. Thanks for the update!
I am using 3.0 Gold, and it tried to make me buy 3 apps again I had already bought and told me to download and sync from iTunes. While 10 or so did re-downloaded just fine for free. Apple also gave me a refund on Crash Bandicoot after I accidentally re-bought it for $5.99.
What I’m getting at is, I don’t think this is fixed. FYI I have iTunes 8.2 and it is fully authorized with my device.
I told you guys it was to prevent sharing!! You didn’t believe me! :p
The price for a SIM-Locked Iphone will be:
* iPhone 3G 8GB $499
* iPhone 3GS 16GB Black/White $599
* iPhone 3GS 32GB Black/White $699
hurray
Just love the new 32gb iPhone. Ultimate gadget for me. Nice post. Thanks.
Well I can’t wait to get one of these myself, personally.