Not content with simply releasing a new version of iOS to beta testers, a new version of Mac OS X that is almost complete and a new line of MacBook Pros, Apple has today added another update to its roster. This time, it’s the Apple Store iPhone app that sees the update magic applied.
Now reaching the version number 2.2, the Apple Store app sees a selection of updates that help to make the app more useful across the board, as well as adding a whole new feature that will make it easier and quicker for customers to part with their hard earned cash.
Express Checkout is exactly what it sounds like. By bypassing the basket portion of the buying process, Apple allows punters to enter their Apple ID and have items billed to the credit card that is already on file for iTunes purchases. The delivery address is also pulled from the account, meaning that data entry is minimal and time is saved for those more interesting pursuits like reading Redmond Pie.
Previously, the Express Checkout feature was exclusive to the company’s web store, but adding the feature to the iOS version of the Apple Store will certainly make buying new toys an easier task than ever before. Whether that is a good or bad thing very much depends on your own personal ability to keep your gadget lust in check!
Other changes include an iPhone 4S-only feature which gives Apple Store employees a heads-up when you are on your way to collect an item that has been ordered online. The idea here is that staff will be able to pre-empt your visit, retrieving your purchase from the stock room and having it ready for you to collect as quickly as possible. If you’ve ever been into an Apple Store on a Saturday afternoon, you’ll no doubt welcome anything that means you don’t need to spend any more time in there than is absolutely necessary!
The update to version 2.2 to is live in the App Store today, and interestingly requires version iOS 5.0 or above in order to function. We are not sure if this has been a requirement before this particular update, but it is something worth remembering in any case.
Download Apple Store for iPhone [iTunes link]
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