A reader has spotted that iOS 8.3 includes some new configuration options for password entry in the iTunes and App Store. Labelled as ‘Password Settings’, the new view allows users to configure how frequently Apple should ask for the user’s iTunes Store password for purchases. This includes allowing users to choose to allow free apps to be downloaded, no password necessary.
The first option allows users to require passwords immediately or expire after fifteen minutes. This option has existed in previous versions of iOS, under the Restrictions settings. However, the toggle below — ‘Require Password’ for free downloads is an altogether new option. It allows users to download free apps (and other iTunes content) with no need to type a password. Paid content still requires authentication based on the options above.
The setting is currently disabled on iOS 8.3 devices we tested, although presumably it will activate by the time iOS 8.3 is released to the public.
The new Password Settings options were added some time in the iOS 8.3 beta cycle but is a new discovery. This is partly because the feature is only exposed to users when Touch ID is disabled. This is because with Touch ID enabled, Apple clearly thinks the convenience-security is too low as buying content is already so seamless with the tap of a fingerprint.
For a while, free downloads did not require a password. However, Apple reverted on this behaviour which upset some users. With iOS 8.3, Apple will finally offer a compromise to users who are frustrated having to type their password in for free apps, music, books, movies and other iTunes content.
Also note that the no password required option for downloads is not currently showing up in all regions; the feature seems to be closely tied to the iTunes Store servers. Again, this seems like something that will be fixed up by the time iOS 8.3 is released.
Yesterday, we found that iOS 8.3 also includes enhancements to Siri to make calls on speakerphone. Apple seeded iOS 8 beta 3 to developers, as well as a Public Beta, last week. iOS 8.3 includes new Emoji keyboard with diverse variants, wireless CarPlay, additional international Siri languages and more.
Thanks Marco
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Finally, Apple is bringing something that can minimize the annoyance of App Store on iOS devices. I always hate putting my password again and again to download free applications.
And that’s why you’ll absolutely love Touch ID ^_^
Touch ID is fantastic, I love it, but if you reboot your iPhone, you have to enter your password the first time you use the iTunes store, which is annoying, but from then on you can use Touch ID. Not everyone reboots their phone on a regular basis, but I do since doing this seems to keep any problems at bay. The old adage of “If all else fails, reboot” applies to everything. Rebooting can be a preventative measure as well.
Nice idea.
The “annoyances” of users with regard to these kind of features reveals the entitled, indolent and ill-disciplined attitude of consumers in general, traits that leave them susceptible to data and identity theft among other ills.
The “kiss of an enemy” promising less hassle and more convenience almost always “is deceit”, and yet this is usually preferred to the “faithful wounds of a friend” that enjoins the user to be more cautious and painstaking.
The mother of cretins is forever pregnant.
/rant off
Such fancy words but it carries no validity to your statement in the context of this article. IAP purchases would still require your password. How exactly would someone steal your identity in this case?
…said nobody, ever.
Did you fall asleep on the keyboard or something? I can’t think of any other way such random drivel could have been entered.
Where were you when I needed someone to stop me from hitting the “send” button? This is all your fault!
Lol!!
I’m sure I read that in Shakespeare.
The Bible actually… Solomon
Trying to comment again.
Two differences between 9to5 Mac and Macrumors. 9to5 gets the scoop first, Macrumors actually has a functioning comment system that is not a pain to use.
On this feature, seems a nice feature, though perhaps imprudent as I could see some funny Apps getting downloaded into unsuspecting person’s phones. “Hey Sue, why does your Husband have Grinder on his phone? See, look it is right here.” Or even more evil, the App auto downloads also to the family iPad which is synced to the phone you left unattended briefly.
They would have to be able to login to your phone, so someone other than yourself installing an app you wouldnt approve would be the least of your worries.
I’m just talking about the situation where your friend gets a hold of your phone that you leave lying around. Or how about your iPad? Haven’t you been at a friend’s house and used their iPad while they were not looking over your shoulder? That happens all the time. Someone maliciously getting hold of your phone and then breaking the passcode on it is probably a fairly rare occurrence.
I am sure this will be optional. You’ll be able to keep it the same as it is now.
I do not see that option. :|
The option shows up after you disable Touch ID for Itunes&App Store. If you have it enabled you wont see it.
Personally, I’m happy putting in a PIN/thumbprint/password – even for the ‘free’ apps
… but I guess that just means I won’t activate the new option.
Leaving it as a choice is good for me and also for situations like parents being sensibly diligent over their kids phones. I’m in favour of apple giving us a few more choices.
i’m getting “cannot connect to iTunes Store” when pressing any option in settings – itunes/appstore and password settings :(
any fix?
I wonder if they fixed the bug that makes the Update All button demand a password, with no option for Touch ID… Happens every time, and tapping Update on each app individually is the workaround.
How about letting us use Apple Pay to make purchases in iTunes/App Stores. It’s crazy that this isn’t an option.
I wonder when there will be an option to download more than 100MB on LTE. This is the only thing that cheeses me off about iOS at the moment.
This feature is in the German 8.3 Version (12F5047f) not available
I wonder about Starbucks Apps of the week where you still need to input your password.
I’ve been wanting this for a long while, and I really hope they continue this trend of giving users security options. They can have whatever kind of security they want turned on by default…but there is no reason why i shouldn’t be allowed to turn most security features off at my own risk. Make me accept a TOS if you want. I don’t care.
I don’t need a password for downloading ANY media….the phone is already locked with one.
I don’t need Touch ID reset every time I reboot the phone.
I don’t need Apple Pay completely invalidated when i restore from backup. That should be reactivated via a passcode/Touch ID.
Am I The Only One that Wondered How He’s on Virgin Mobile, when Virgin Mobile didn’t release the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, and actually stopped carrying all iPhones together?
I just want Apple to allow users to password-lock individual folders and sub-folders. I know everyone has those certain pictures and/or apps they don’t want anyone to have access to when they let someone use or look at their phones. Come on Apple!
I would really appreciate it if Apple would provide a security setting that did not require passwords constantly. If you have Touch ID enabled, you should be able to use that for all Apple security checks, whether the phone has been restarted, or the iPad unused for more that 48 hours or whatever.
I understand why they started requiring passwords more often, due to parents who let their unsupervised children by loads of Smurfberries. But I’m an adult. I do not feel the need to authorize everything over and over again. This is made worse by the requirement that passwords need to be “secure” so they’re a total pain to type.
Just give me an “I’m an adult” option, please.
Is anyone having this issue, or is it just me? I can’t seem to have Touch ID to work for purchases after updating to public iOS 8.3. Used to work ok while in beta.
Me too.
Yes, likewise. Problem persists on iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 3, all running iOS 8.3 Public.
rabish i pad no whatasapp sapot no daly use apps saport