iTunes applications restricted to US store

What possible reason can developers (Apple?) have for restricting an application like Grocery IQ to the US store? I would have purchased this, but it’s not available in the NZ store. I can’t see any reason that it wouldn’t work just as well here. (I can understand that annoying legalities prevent applications like Puzzlotto being sold, but that’s a whole different story). This isn’t the only application like this I’ve come across, just the most recent one. It makes no sense at all.

4 Comments

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Floppie 7 February 2009

With this application I believe that for it to be available in NZ they would have to make significant changes to the program to suit the NZ market otherwise everyone would be winging that they had to pay for a programme that was only relevant to the US market. For example,

US shops maybe set up different to those in the US. ie the aisles are most probably set out differently
The application said that it also includes brand names which a majority of them would not be available in NZ therefore making that feature irrelevant. Therefore Apple is in a bit of a tough spot because:
If they release it in countries other than the US then people will moan that it is irrelevant and not worth purchasing.
If they do not release it in countries other than the US then people will moan because they want what they can’t have.
I would highly doubt that it would even be worthwhile for them to make a NZ version because we are tiny compared to the US and there probably aren’t even as many people in NZ with an iPhone and an iPod touch put together as those who have bought this application in the US. Therefore they are in the predicament that they are damned if they do and damned if they don’t. My suggestion for you would be to restrain yourself at looking at applications that are available only in the US and only look at the ones that are only available in NZ to avoid being disappointed.

tonyandrewmeyer 19 February 2009

I wish I noticed that comment when it was made… That’s not true, since there are many other grocery applications (I own and use one) that work fine.

The aisles in the good apps don’t matter - the app learns your habits.
Good apps let you enter in your own data, and really, there aren’t that many brand differences. As for Apple (and I’m not convinced it is Apple’s decision):
Don’t like it, don’t buy it. Do you see me moaning about the fart apps, even though they aren’t worth purchasing?
‘moaning because you want what you can’t have’ is called “demand” in economic-speak. It’s a good thing. #3 isn’t anything to do with Apple, since they don’t make it. No, a country-specific app would be crazy. But these aren’t country-specific. As for restraining myself - so your suggestion is to not look at this Internet thing? Or not look outside of .nz? Do you understand how this works? At the end of the day, someone is needlessly throwing away potential income.

Chris 12 November 2009

I am also a Mobile Developer and all my Apps are worldwide available. I really dont understand why many apps are just in US available. I am from Romania and for example interested in the C64 Emulator. No Chance to get in Romania Store. Thats so stupid / sorry / but I dont find another word. greets chris

Jide 12 January 2014

No big deal. Just create a US iTunes account, load credit to the account using a gift card and you will be able to download apps restricted to the Us app store.