Apple Adds 'Learn More About In-App Purchases' Feature to iPad App Store

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As noted by AppAdvice, Apple yesterday added a new "Learn More About In-App Purchases" feature to the iPad version of the App Store, marking yet another step in the company's efforts to make users aware that some free and paid apps may offer the ability to purchase additional content from within the apps.

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The document includes four sections, addressing what In-App Purchases are, types of In-App Purchases, how they work, and how Parental Controls in iOS can be used to turn the feature off entirely.

On devices running iOS 4.3 or later, you must enter your password to make an In-App Purchase. Once you enter your password to make that purchase, additional In-App Purchases can be made without reentering your password for 15 minutes. To change your settings to require a password entry with every purchase, open Settings, tap General, then tap Restrictions, and change Require Password.

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The new addition comes roughly a month after Apple added prominent "Offers In-App Purchases" labels on App Store pages for apps supporting the feature. The company also recently settled a lawsuit related to children having been able to make In-App Purchases, occasionally for as much as thousands of dollars, without authorization.

The new informational feature is currently visible only in the iPad version of the App Store, and it is unclear if and when it will make its way to the App Store on the iPhone and in iTunes.

Top Rated Comments

samcraig Avatar
samcraig
132 months ago
All this just to stop silly, uneducated parents letting their kids run up thousands on their credit card.

Never give a tech product to a child that you don't fully understand yourself.

I disagree with your assessment and your tone.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Stella Avatar
Stella
132 months ago
There's nothing to do with computer literacy here. It's simple english language. If you don't know the meanings of the words "Purchase" or "Buy" and don't know that a dollar sign followed by numbers indicates a price, you need some elementary school, not a half assed in-app purchase wiki.

If you can't teach your kids words like "Purchase" and "Buy" you shouldn't be procreating, much less be giving your kid an iOS Device.
It has everything to do with computer literacy. It is explaining terms such as "In App Purchase". You may understand what it means, but others do not.

You don't obviously don't have any kids - although you can teach them what Buy and Purchase their excitement will overcome their objective thinking.

The world is not as black and white as you may think.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jsameds Avatar
Jsameds
132 months ago
I disagree with your assessment and your tone.

Phew, thanks for that. I was waiting eagerly on your opinion of my comment. I will be able to sleep peacefully tonight!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Stella Avatar
Stella
132 months ago
These changes are a good step and really low hanging fruit.

Many people are not computer literate and to help them understand concepts such as In App Purchases is a good thing. Try to educate your user base. They will get more out of the product.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jelite Avatar
Jelite
132 months ago
This changes everything.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
globalist Avatar
globalist
132 months ago
On devices running iOS 4.3 or later, you must enter your password to make an In-App Purchase. Once you enter your password to make that purchase, additional In-App Purchases can be made without reentering your password for 15 minutes.

On devices running iOS 4.3 or later, you must enter your password to make an ANY Purchase. Once you enter your password to make that purchase, additional In-App Purchases can be made without reentering your password for 15 minutes.

There, fixed it for Apple. Until they finally separate regular purchases from IAPs, that is.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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