![The Mac App Store Won't Let You Waste Your Money [Update: But Might Let You Replace Older Apps]](https://wpuploads.appadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/App-Store-2.png)
The Mac App Store Won't Let You Waste Your Money [Update: But Might Let You Replace Older Apps]
January 6, 2011
Wondering what to do if you already own Apple's creativity or work software suites; iLife and iWork now that they're on the Mac App Store? The answer is simple: nothing.
As you'll discover if you already own them (or they were pre-installed on your Mac) and try to purchase them, the Mac App Store will prevent you from doing so. That is, the Mac App Store app is actually capable of detecting (under certain conditions) what applications you already have on your Mac. This applies to both Apple and third party applications.
Unfortunately, if you didn't purchase the application from the Mac App Store, the built-in updating feature will not function. Nevertheless, it will surely prevent you from inadvertently spending money on things you already own.
Of course, if you really want the Mac App Store version, it's still possible. Just uninstall the app you already have from the application folder by dragging it to the trash, and you'll be able to purchase it from the store again.
***Update:
According to Cult of the Mac, you might still be able in certain situations to download a Mac App Store App on top of a traditional app in case the one you already own is older. In which case it will be overwritten by the new one from the store.
![The Mac App Store Won't Let You Waste Your Money [Update: But Might Let You Replace Older Apps]](https://wpuploads.appadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/App-Store-2-150x150.png)
