Apple no longer lists apps as ‘free’ if they have in-app purchases – how long before Google follows suit?
In some low-key changes that arrived with the rollout of iOS 8.1.1, it seems Apple has officially changed the wording of “free” apps and games in the App Store to simply “get.” Given the amount of “freemium” titles hitting app stores in recent years (apps and games that require additional in-app purchase to unlock more functionality), Apple’s not just trying to be more politically correct. In fact, the new move puts the App Store in accordance with new laws set in place by the European Commission requiring applications notify customers of their “true costs.”
So, what about Google? Back in July they welcomed the changes with open arms, even committing to remove the “free” listings of apps that contain in-app purchases by the end of September. While free apps on Google Play now disclose whether or not they have in-app purchases (directly below the install button) in an app’s listing, when browsing by category in the Google Play Store there’s still no telling how “free” a free app or game really is until you click.
We have a feeling it wont be too much longer before Google adopts a model more like Apple’s, there’s just no telling when.