iPhone Docked tweeted that he was asked to 'purchase' an app while trying to redownload it. Other developers have also reported similar behavior on iPhone OS 3.0 beta, while trying to redownload apps.
Redownloading iPhone apps is a very common practice among iPhone users, I have deleted and redownloaded iPhone apps many times. The current App Store FAQ states that the user does not have to pay twice for redownloading but the new message could mean that Apple is looking to introduce this change with iPhone OS 3.0.This move by Apple is sure to draw varied opinions and reaction.
The latest message appeared for some developers trying to redownloadiPhone Apps oniPhone OS 3.0Beta.
The screen shot taken clearly shows the new message that reads:
"You've already purchased this. You can redownload it for free on your computer, or tap Buy to buy it again." (notice the app being redownloaded displays the message 'Waiting' at the bottom in contrast to the current 'downloading' message).
This means that the user will need to go back to his or her computer and sync the iPhone in order to redownload the app to avoid paying twice for an iPhone App leaving users with only one option to reinstall an app that they have already purchased (for free).
This change could come as an annoyance to users who so far have been so used to the concept of free redownload. The argument: I shouldn't have to repay for an app that I have already paid for and used. For example, I have a habit of keeping my iPhone pages/screens to a maximum of 4 (just for convinience). So whenever I go beyond 4 pages, I try and delete iPhone Apps that I am not currently using.
Reports indicate that not everyone is getting the message so it's difficult to figure out the reasoning behind the change. There are couple of reasons that are being speculated for the message:
Reason 1: With the iPhone OS 3.0, users will be able to login to multiple iTunes Account on the same iPhone. This feature could be abused by users by sharing iPhone Apps across multiple iPhone users. Hence, Apple might be trying to thwart any attempts by such 'app abusers'.
If Apple's intention is to prevent app-abuse then this really does not solve the issue as users will still be able to share apps using their computers. So users like me who only use one account to purchase iPhone apps wouldn't be happy with this change. Perhaps, users who only use one account on their iPhones should not be charged for redownloading iPhone Apps, if this indeed is the reason for the message.
Reason 2: There are also speculations that Apple might be introducing this feature due to pressure from carriers who have concerns of bandwidth consumption. This move will discourage users from redownloading apps and thus reduce over-the-air redownloading of apps and thus bandwidth consumption.
If that's the reason then it would be quite lame and will definitely not go down well with users.
Whatever the reason, I am going to surely miss this feature of being able to redownload apps on the iPhone for free.
What do you think about this? Please do share your opinions in the comment section below.
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