We have a bit of disheartening news for those of you that re-download applications via your iPhone after redeeming a promo code through the iTunes Store. Apparently, you no longer can, or at least free of charge.
Before you get too excited, let me clear this up for you.
Just Another iPhone Blog discovered this new road block within iPhone OS 3.0 beta 5, not in the current iPhone OS. According to the blog, they haven't seen this message before when attempting to re-download a promo code application, so it seems to be a new issue.
Normally, as it is in iPhone OS 2.x, you are able to redeem promo codes via the "Redeem" link in the iTunes Store, and instead of having to resync your device with your computer to obtain the application, you can download the application through your iPhone. A message appears stating that you have already downloaded the application, and you can
re-download it again for free. Well, that's how it used to work.
In iPhone OS 3.0 beta 5, when you try to do the same thing, apparently a new message appears stating that you can re-download the application for free, but you must do so on your computer. If you choose to re-download the application directly from your iPhone, you will be charged for it.
Having to resync your device every time you redeem a promo code is going upset a few people, especially people like me who redeem promo codes every day. The bigger concern here is if the same thing would apply for every application downloaded, not just promo code applications. Imagine having to resync your device every single time you want to re-download an application that you have already paid for. What if you don't have access to your computer at that time? What are you supposed to do, purchase it again?
Have any of you witnessed this message when using iPhone OS 3.0 beta 5?
Update: We are able to confirm that this restriction doesn't just apply to promo code applications, it applies to all applications. This means that you will not be allowed to re-download any of the applications you already own via your iPhone or iPod touch.
