Freemium apps, games on Apple's App Store now say 'Get'
Owners of iPads and iPhones might notice a subtle tweak to Apple's App Store when downloading some free mobile apps.
Normally, when users encounter a free app or game, they'll see a button that says Free, and begin their download by tapping the button. Now, some apps say "Get."
So, what's the difference? The "Get" button applies to apps that offer in-app purchases, so while they're free to download, users may pay for additional content. (UPDATE: It appears that now any app that's labeled "Free," outside a handful of first-party apps, carry the "Get" button.)
The move follows a crackdown by the Federal Trade Commission over unauthorized in-app purchases. In January, Apple reached a $32.5 million settlement with the FTC stemming from purchases made within apps by kids without their parents' consent. In-app purchases range in price between 99 cents and $200.
In the Apple case, the FTC cites one consumer whose daughter spent $2,600 on in-app purchases from the game Tap Pet Hotel.
In September, Google agreed to a deal with the FTC to pay back at least $19 million over unauthorized purchases within apps. The FTC sued Amazon in July over similar issues reported by users on Kindle devices.
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