Apple Now Charging to Re-Download Apps on the iPhone?

**mltan** · 06-17-2009, 02:53 AM

not sure if this topic has been discussed here, can any of those already in OS 3.0 confirm this? will authorize/deauthorize of computer for a said itunes account (max of 5 devices) still continue in this latest OS release? below is the link for the said article.

http://www.theiphoneblog.com/2009/05...d-apps-iphone/

i'm using multiple computers and also change my PC quite frequently (every 8 months average), i dont have a problem with syncing my applications again via itunes (as compared to via the iphone), but if i'm going to be charged for the apps that i've paid already then i might hold off upgrading to OS 3.0 (just because i've changed computers). i also have friends who have multiple devices (an iphone 2G, 3G and itouch) that uses just 1 itunes account, i wonder how it would impact them as well.

**Sponsor** · 06-17-2009 02:53 AM

**doblezeta** · 06-17-2009, 04:51 AM

that's old news and its not entirely accurate. Since 3.0 is coming in 24 hours, its an appropriate topic to discuss.

iTunes 8.2 + FW3.0 will put a key on your phone representing your iTunes account credentials. This serves as your "unlimited redownloads" key. All your devices that actually sync from your iTunes on your computer will get this key, which will be uploaded to the device when you sync apps on your brother's or sister's iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPhone 3G + S. You/they maintain your free re-buys/downloads if you/they fit in this group.

The only time you'll get this prompt is when you give your iTunes username and password to a person who doesn't sync his device on your iTunes, i.e. a friend, a relative abroad. When they try to re-buy the app, your account may be charged again, since the device that's trying to use your account doesn't have the "unlimited redownloads" key.

The purpose of this is to prevent the possibility of people sharing iTunes usernames and passwords and share apps they bought. With the new "Store" menu in 3.0, this can be done much easier as you can login and logout to the AppStore right on your iPhone.

**rbenzon** · 06-17-2009, 05:07 AM

good share, yves. thanks.

i have two itunes store accounts, one u.s., one here; and several macs. so it'll be interesting to see how 8.2+3.0 improves the experience.

**doblezeta** · 06-17-2009, 05:31 AM

Originally Posted by rbenzon

i have two itunes store accounts, one u.s., one here; and several macs. so it'll be interesting to see how 8.2+3.0 improves the experience.

Happy to report that you will be able to switch even AppStore countries using the built in Store app. So you can download an app using your PH account, then switch account back to the US one to download your podcasts on your iPhone. No more need to switch Stores in your computer's iTunes.

T-minus 19 hours.

**mysterio** · 06-17-2009, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by doblezeta

Happy to report that you will be able to switch even AppStore countries using the built in Store app. So you can download an app using your PH account, then switch account back to the US one to download your podcasts on your iPhone. No more need to switch Stores in your computer's iTunes.

T-minus 19 hours.

That's great news. It's kinda cumbersome to connect to the PC just to switch from US to PH accounts and vice versa.

**drdom** · 06-17-2009, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by doblezeta

The only time you'll get this prompt is when you give your iTunes username and password to a person who doesn't sync his device on your iTunes..... since the device that's trying to use your account doesn't have the "unlimited redownloads" key.

So if and when I change my laptop where I've synced my iPhone then I'll be recharged?

**LeoCastillo** · 06-17-2009, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by drdom

So if and when I change my laptop where I've synced my iPhone then I'll be recharged?

You'll need to authorize your new laptop to your iTunes account. No biggie.
You can actually authorize up to 5 computers so both your old and new laptop can use your iTunes content.

Leo

**drdom** · 06-17-2009, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by LeoCastillo

You'll need to authorize your new laptop to your iTunes account. No biggie.
You can actually authorize up to 5 computers so both your old and new laptop can use your iTunes content.

Leo

Thanks! For a moment there I had seconds thoughts if I'll upgrade... whew

**mltan** · 06-17-2009, 11:10 AM

thanks for the inputs, newb lang ako sa mac/iphone technology :P.

bottomline:
- if you authorize your account on multiple computers (max of 5), you can still re-download apps without getting recharged
- if you give the username and password on an iphone that is NOT synced on that itunes account you will be recharged

but what about scenarios wherein there are multiple itunes account on 1 iphone? for example, you have an old itunes account before and you used it to buy a few apps and then you registered a new credit card with another account and sync that on the same iphone. wont that have any issues as well? (or you wont encounter those issues as long as you authorize that computer to run both accounts?)

**doblezeta** · 06-17-2009, 02:37 PM

All your accounts will give their own "key" to your device, so you can rebuy for free using any of those accounts. Just make sure the computer its sycing with is authorized for all those accounts.