Apple has quietly added a new labeling system to the App Store that shows which apps have in-app purchases. You can only see whether an app or game has in-app purchases on the desktop version of iTunes, but the feature will presumably be rolled out to the App Store on iOS devices soon.
Coincidentally, Apple recently settled a lawsuit with some parents over in-app purchases. Kids were spending thousands of dollars making in-app purchases in freemium games.
The Guardian notes that this could be a sign that Apple will allow parents to restrict their kids from downloading apps with the in-app purchases label. An Apple ID password has always be required to approve an in-app purchase, which should make it harder for accidental purchases to happen.
Apple is obviously trying to avoid another multi-million dollar payout to disgruntled parents. It helps to know what you’re downloading before you hand the iPad over to your 5-year-old.
Source: The Guardian
Alex Heath is a journalist who works for Tech Insider. He’s the former co-host of The CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like “ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation.” He lives in Lexington, Kentucky. If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Follow him on Twitter.
