Apple replaces 'Free' with 'Get' in app store to avoid in-app purchase snag
Apple has relabelled ‘Free’ apps in iTunes and the app store to ‘Get’ in a bid to curtail mounting pressure over its lack of transparency towards in-app purchases.
The Free tag has been replaced with Get
The electronics giant introduced the change without any announcement on Wednesday, where it was first noticed by TechCrunch.
The change has been widely attributed to calls from the European Commission in July which said the firm failed to make clear the “true cost” of its ‘free’ apps. It also chastised Apple for failing to make any "concrete [or] immediate" plans to tackle the issue.
Apple responded: "Over the last year we made sure any app which enables customers to make in-app purchases is clearly marked. We've also created a Kids Section on the App Store with even stronger protections to cover apps designed for children younger than 13."
Worldwide, free apps have been labelled ‘Get’ regardless of if they offer in-app purchases. This will cover a vast range of freemium games, such as Candy Crush and Angry Birds.
Apple introduced the changes to align with guidelines put in place by both US and EU regulators designed to increase the transparency of app prices - especially in games marketed to children.
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