Another week on the App Store, and another app shedding its usual price tag. This weekend, Apple's Free App of The Week initiative is bringing us an adrenaline filled high flying action game that some people may actually pay good money for. The title usually retails for $0.99 on the App Store, but as mentioned earlier, can be downloaded absolutely free of cost right now, with the offer lasting for a limited period only.
Apple has begun letting developers know that it will be increasing the price of apps, in-app purchase and subscriptions in select countries within the next 36 hours, outlining the move as well as what it will mean for developers' customers.
Apple has taken the opportunity to provide some additional information about a number of third-party iOS apps that were recently discovered to be infected with the XcodeGhost malware. After the existence of the XcodeGhost trojan filtered down into the public domain, Apple took a number of steps to not only combat the issue, but also provide clarification on what it means to users, developers, and how it plans to rectify the problem and ensure that it doesn't happen again. Now, as an addendum to that info, the Cupertino-based company has listed the top 25 apps that have been affected by the malware.
Mozilla Firefox web browser for iOS is now available to download as public preview on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, but unfortunately, the app is currently only available on the New Zealand App Store. Luckily, there's a quick and easy way of accessing the New Zealand version of the App Store and download the app right now from any where in the world.
It's undeniably important that large corporations such as Apple recruit as many people as humanly possible to test and put beta software through its paces. It's even more important when that software is actually the underlying operating system that powers most of its mobile devices, namely iOS. With that said, it's also extremely important that those beta testers aren't allowed to penalise third-party app developers who work tirelessly to ensure that their apps and software are compatible come the final public release. You could almost hear the app development community chant in harmonious unison today when Apple finally banned iOS beta testers from leaving App Store reviews.
Pinterest, the social network that allows people to 'pin' images, has announced that users of its iPhone and iPad apps will be able to download new apps right from within its iOS app thanks to a new partnership with Apple.
A short while ago, Apple made a change to its App Store refunds policy in compliance with EU regulation, which means that consumers now get 14 days to refund a purchase they've made, no questions asked. But given how easily this is open to abuse - no less because many apps, especially games, can be completed in far less time - and it's no surprise that there have been concerns of some users steal apps at will. However, Apple has put paid to some of the concerns by rejigging the terms, and as of now, those refunding at a frequency that Apple deems to be "excessive" will be forced to waive their right to a refund.
A long-standing complaint of iOS device owners has been the lack of a substantial return policy for apps that don't meet the expected standards of the consumer. A short while ago, though, Apple introduced a two-week money-back system that allows dissatisfied customers to be reimbursed for below-par apps without too much hassle in EU. However, whilst this move has appeased general users, it is inherently flawed to the point where developers stand to lose out considerably, particularly since an app or game may still be used even after the funds have been returned.
Being able to get refunds for apps bought via the App Store has been at the center of much discussion for some time. While Google gives downloaders two hours to request a refund for apps they bought by mistake or that simply don’t work as advertised, Apple has never really given any proper indication as to its own policy. Plenty of people have successfully received refunds for apps, but the policy has never been as clear as it could be.
Many sites are being ground to a near halt as consumers look to score some great deals this Black Friday, and although we've already shown you how to grab hundreds of dollars worth of paid apps gone free, there's arguably an even better deal in the offing for those running iOS. For a limited time, you can snare yourself $100 worth of iTunes Store credit for just $75, and with apps creeping up in price as time progresses, this is one offer worth writing home about.