Apple Claims GameStore App Released Prematurely - Issues Refunds

[Akshay Masand]

We previously reported about an application that prematurely made its way into the iPhone App Store called “GameStore.” It was deemed an Apple internal testing tool for their iOS in-app-purchase system. The June 2009 date, which is the month of the event in which the in-app purchase was formally announced, on the application store page seems to confirm that. Apple recently sent out an email that informed everyone that the app was pulled from the App Store:

You recently purchase the GameStore app. The app was made available for sale prematurely. We apologize for the problem and have refunded the purchase amount back to your account. These funds will be applied to your original payment method within 5 business days.

The app was quickly removed from the App Store and the buyers were informed that refunds for the application have been issued to their iTunes accounts. Apple notes that the “GameStore” application went live on the App Store too early. Given the June 2009 date attached to the application, we can’t technically say the application was released too early but it’s easy to guess that it is likely an App Store dedicated to gaming software.

Did you pick up the GameStore app when it was available? Are you looking forward to its actual release? Share any thoughts and opinions below!

Source: App Store

[GunHo198]

Wow! Getting money back from Apple is almost like.... Getting money back from the Government!?... LOL

Be happy....

[Raybeast]

Once again Apple does the right thing. I really respect that company.

[Zokunei]

Haha there's a typo in the e-mail.

[Mc-Lovin_341]

Haha there's a typo in the e-mail.

And that matters because?

[Paco]

Damn someone needs to update their apps

[Zokunei]

And that matters because?

Because it's one screw-up after another. In fact, this is an apology for the preceeding screw-up.

[StayyyFlyyy]

Haha there's a typo in the e-mail.

Haha nice catch. Shut up mclovin

[Zokunei]

Haha nice catch. Shut up mclovin

It's not like McLovin hurt anyone's feelings :P

[celeron]

lol 46 updates

[Dainelli]

Oh god no why split the App Store into categories.. People who browse the app store looking for games might stumble upon a utility app and vice versa.. Splitting the app store up will seperate the gamers from the non-gamers and less of each will be bought

[AUZambo]

Holy Hell. 46 updates? TAKE CARE OF YOUR PHONE, DUDE!!

And that matters because?

It's a professional/business email from a multi-billion dollar company. Not a casual email between two friends. Seventh grade grammatical errors shouldn't be made. Of course, the error could have occurred when the writer of this article copied it over.

[The6uest]

Is it an error in the email or from the MMi writer who typed the topic?

[sziklassy]

Apple has set a precedent. Apparently it IS pretty simple to offer refunds. Let's see refundable apps in the appstore Apple!