In iOS 7.1, Apple Is Warning Users About Its 15-Minute IAP Window
Controversy has surrounded in-app purchases (IAPs) almost from day one, and Apple is in the process of altering how the feature is implemented within its iOS. One small change made in iOS 7.1 now sees a pop-up notification alert users of the 15-minute IAP window, and provides iOS device owners with information on how this can be disabled inside of the built-in Settings app.
As a reminder, when enabled the IAP window allows iOS devices to only require a password for IAPs once every 15 minutes. This has proven to be a nightmare for unknowing parents who've previously authorized a single in-app purchase on their iOS device, only for their child to subsequently go on an unauthorized IAP spree.
In iOS 7.1, however, Apple is hoping to avoid repeat instances of this through the addition of a new pop-up notification.
As mentioned, when iOS device users input a password in order to authorize an in-app purchase under iOS 7.1, a pop-up alert informs them that they “can now make additional purchases in any app for the next 15 minutes without re-entering your password.” The notification adds that this can be changed in the “Restrictions” section of the Settings application (pictured above), as AppleInsider notes.
Last week, we explained how Apple is “rushing to fix” in-app purchases by March 31 – a deadline imposed on the Cupertino, Calif. company by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC is also forcing Apple to refund more than $32 million in unauthorized in-app purchases, but its demand that Apple alters IAPs in order to make it less easy for such unauthorized purchases to be made is more interesting.
We'd heard that the company had been struggling to implement these changes within the mobile OS, signalling that its alterations to in-app purchases extend beyond the above pop-up alert.
We'll keep you updated with further information as we receive it.
In the meantime, see: Apple Is Still Planning On Selling iOS Devices Through Small, Local Stores In India, Up To Speed: Official Speedtest.net App For iOS Finally Goes Universal For iPad, and Fantastical Calendar App Gains New Sounds, WhatsApp Integration And More Features.
