Why You Haven’t Bought Any iPhone Apps?

by Simon Ng on March 8, 2009

Earlier, I ran a survey and asked whether you’ve ever purchased any iPhone applications from App Store. To my surprise, only 60% of our readers has made a purchase on App Store (I’m expecting more!). The rest of them only love the Free applications. Not sure why some of you didn’t buy any apps. May be you’re new to iPhone. Or may be you think iPhone apps should be free (really?). Or may be you think iPhone apps are pricey?

For me, I made the first purchase of iPhone applications after App Store was debuted for 2 months. I came from Cydia and Installer background. At first, I have the same thought that iPhone applications should be free. I can download free application from Installer or Cydia. Why shouldn’t I pay for apps on App Store?

But sometimes, you definitely want to reward those awesome developers that develop great iPhone applications (esp. games). Compared with PC games or software, iPhone applications are pretty cheap. As mentioned in my earlier post, most of the iPhone Apps are sold at the price range, which is between $0.99 and $2.99. They’re affordable. So, why not give the paid apps a shot?

I really forgot the name of the 1st paid application that was bought from App Store. But affordable price and high quality are always the two main reasons that tempted me to make a purchase. And from that time onwards, I bought even more. So far, the biggest purchase is BeejiveIM, which costs at $15.99.

For those who haven’t bought any paid iPhone apps, what hinder you from paying it? Leave me comment and share your thought? I want to hear from you.

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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Nam March 8, 2009 at 3:32 am: I barely got my iphone for a week. Secondly, it’s the matter of choice. U can afford a 15 dollars app when I can’t (student) so I opt fir fring. However I will buy game in the future when I get my job for next quarter. I think apps from appstore aren’t mature enough compare to those from cydia. Too much limitation on apples end. Hence I will not buy apps from appstore but I will buy games.

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2 jet li March 8, 2009 at 8:01 am: I already commented in your earlier post. I have applications from the app store on my iPhone (>180). These aren’t free applications. I just download them free. (cracked applications). Why pay when you can get them free. Be smart not dumb!

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3 michael March 8, 2009 at 11:56 am: The guy above me missed the whole point… Wow lol

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4 Nam March 8, 2009 at 4:25 pm: @jet li, please read the article before making such comments. The author is well aware of software pirating. He just wants to tell you to support the developers in which you are going in the totally opposite direction. While cracked apps are tempting, you’ll see the affect when you go out and work in real life. Sometimes, we’re all better off when you buy and spend money so that others will do the same. As I stated above, I’ll buy games from appstore but not apps due to Apple’s SDK limitations and cydia. Dont be too proud of your >180 cracked apps just yet.

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5 Morton March 12, 2009 at 11:52 pm: Hi – At the beginning, I did buy a couple of apps and found that they did not do the job as advertised. One was a Chess game that was buggy and not at all acceptable. When I complained to Apple they kindly replied, to my surprise and promised me a refund. However, at the same time, they told me this refund was an exception and not the rule. In other words, I was left with the impression, buyer beware. As a result, I’ve been more inclined to beware unless it was something I really couldn’t do without. Apple should have a trial period allowing the return of software unless they are prepared to do so, buying from them with this policy is a risk

Regards

Morton

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