Apple has changed its iTunes terms of service, once again switching the restrictions regarding multiple in-app purchases placed within a15-minute time period. The company initially provided a 15-minute span for making subsequent purchases without requiring users to reenter authentication information. The window was eliminated in March, however the new terms, which arrived alongside iTunes 10.3, revert to the original rules.
The strict policy was added at a time when Apple was criticized for leaving the platform open to developer abuse of the in-app purchase system. Certain apps appeared to target children, some of whom unknowingly accumulated an excessive number of purchases.
Apple has yet to explain a reason for the recent change, though the tighter rules likely caused difficulties for many legitimate apps that utilize the in-app purchase system.