Apple Tweaks Taiwanese App Store Terms to Formalize 7-Day Return Policy

Late last month, we noted that Apple had reportedly begun offering a seven-day window for "returns" on App Store purchases in Taiwan, a move made in response to a notice from government officials requiring Apple to comply with consumer protection laws requiring such return policies.

app store tw 425k apps
As reported by IDG News, Apple has now formalized that policy, updating its terms and conditions for the Taiwanese Mac App Store, App Store, and iBookstore earlier this week to include language outlining the policy.

You may cancel your purchase within seven (7) days from the date of delivery and iTunes will reimburse you for the amount paid, provided you inform iTunes that you have deleted all copies of the product. Upon cancellation you will no longer be licensed to use the product. This right cannot be waived.

The change appears to be unique to the Taiwanese market, with Apple's terms and conditions documents for its stores in other countries making no mention of a similar policy. Apple does, however, routinely judge refund requests on a case-by-case basis and will frequently issue refunds for purchases made in error or in other select situations. Apple has even been said to be offering refunds on its own Final Cut Pro X apps to those customers dissatisfied with their purchases.

Google, which currently offers a standard 15-minute refund policy on Android app purchases, has resisted complying with the regulations, disagreeing with the government's interpretation of the consumer protection act. The city of Taipei has already fined Google nearly $35,000 over its failure to comply, and the company has appealed that fine as the two sides continue to discuss the situation.

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Top Rated Comments

kolax Avatar
179 months ago
I'd be happy with just 24 hours.. that's long enough to decide whether an App is worth the money or it is crap.

And reviews don't always give the true picture: I've paid for a 5 star app and thought it was crap, and paid for a poorly rated app and found it incredibly useful.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gnasher729 Avatar
179 months ago
Any refund at all has potential for abuse, but 7 days is ridiculous. You'd be a fool to complete a game, or finish reading a book, and not take advantage of this. Perhaps a limited number of returns per month? That might solve it...

Strange how your definition of "fool" meets my definition of an honest man.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iCrizzo Avatar
179 months ago
This should be a standard for all customers, not just 1 country.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Portaluk Avatar
179 months ago
Thats a bit naughty of google not complying.

I don't agree with the laws of your country so i'm not going to adhere to them.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BornAgainMac Avatar
179 months ago
Just one question. Are there any good Taiwanese apps?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lilcosco08 Avatar
179 months ago
I've been wanting this to come to the US for years, but I have a feeling it never will.
Same, but with like 1-2 hours for a trial. 7 days seems a little excessive.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)