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This is why there are no more ‘free’ apps in Apple’s App Stores

Published Nov 20th, 2014 8:31AM EST
Free vs. Get: App Store Apps
Image: Screenshot | App Store

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In addition to clearly marking which iOS and OS X apps in the App Store and Mac App Store have in-app purchase options, Apple has taken one more important step towards ensuring that customers know exactly what apps they’re downloading, as first spotted by MacRumors. The company has replaced the word “Free,” which appeared under the name of apps available as free downloads from its digital stores, regardless whether they come with in-app purchases or not, with the word “Get.”

Meanwhile, paid apps still have the price listed instead of the word “Get,” and all apps still have clear indicators when in-app purchases are available.

FROM EARLIER: The 5 best iPhone and iPad games of November

The move is likely meant to inform users that nothing is truly free, and it’s likely a response to the recent investigations that looked into Apple’s, Google’s and Amazon’s app-related online store practices.

Apple has already settled a suit in the U.S., over fraudulent in-app purchases, and has been asked by the European Commission to further clarify to customers what they buy/download from its online stores, so they’re not mislead into spending real money inside “free apps.”

“Get” apps can already be spotted in both the iOS App Store (image above) and Mac App Store.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.