Apple to Start Charging for Re-Downloading Apps Over-the-Air? [Update]
The iPhone Blog reports that in the iPhone 3.0 beta firmware, users are being told that may not re-download applications over-the-air without being charged. The dialog box (shown above), however, does indicate that users may still re-download applications for free through their computer.
This is a distinct change from how things currently work. In the current version of the operating system, iPhones and iPod Touches may re-download applications both over-the-air and on their computer without charge.
Update: While we first speculated that the reason behind the move is likely to prevent the illegal sharing of applications in the 3.0 firmware, further testing indicates that the results are sporadic. So, we're not sure the reasoning behind the change, but it should be clearer when 3.0 is released.
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35 months ago
I can see the issue and understand why Apple would do it, but unless they allow over-the-air syncing with iTunes, it's going to be a major pain to some.
35 months ago
Err, big deal. I don't think this will ever become an annoyance to me. If it prevents an illegal act, so be it. I've never had to re-download an app, anyway.
35 months ago
For the iPhone only, I hope. Why would they charge you if you have an iPod touch for OTA when it uses Wi-Fi and not the Cell Network? Complete BS IMO.
35 months ago
For the iPhone only, I hope. Why would they charge you if you have an iPod touch for OTA when it uses Wi-Fi and not the Cell Network?
The screenshot says otherwise.
The cell network has NOTHING to do with OTA anything. Validation with iTunes is validation with iTunes no matter how you connect.
35 months ago
That won't be good when you are not near a computer. 2.x lets you download it for free if you have purchased it already. There is a reason why people may not go to 3.0
35 months ago
What if, say, you were to download an app that sucked big time and then deleted it. However, an update was issued and you wanted to try it out and decided to download it over the air. Normally, iTunes tells you that you've already downloaded this content and to press "OK" to download it again. Would this new implementation force someone to have to pay for it again when currently they are not required to do so?
35 months ago
Ehh, not that big a deal as long as there is a way to still download them for free again.
Next
Next
35 months ago
There is a reason why people may not go to 3.0
I really doubt that. This affects virtually no one, and the general userbase wouldn't know/care.
35 months ago
I really doubt that. This affects virtually no one, and the general userbase wouldn't know/care.
Agreed.
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