Apple reactivates app gift giving with new 'send by' date feature
Months after iOS app gifting was deactivated with iOS 6, Apple has reinstated the feature in time for the holidays, adding a new sending option that allows buyers to pick the date on which a recipient receives their digital present.
The revamped Send Gift functionality in the App Store is akin to Apple's recent introduction of Passbook-enabled Apple Store gift cards in that it lets users choose when a present is received, up to 90 days in advance in the case of app gifting.
In the example above, Apple's iOS Game of the Year The Room can be gifted by selecting the action button at the top-right corner of the app's information card and select the "Gift" option. From there, gift givers can select who the app is going to and write a short message if needed. Gifts can be sent immediately or on a scheduled date up to 90 days in advance.

Gifting 1Password on an iPhone 5.
It should be noted that the Send Gift feature allows for multiple recipients, making it easier to share popular apps with friends and family.
The revamped Send Gift functionality in the App Store is akin to Apple's recent introduction of Passbook-enabled Apple Store gift cards in that it lets users choose when a present is received, up to 90 days in advance in the case of app gifting.
In the example above, Apple's iOS Game of the Year The Room can be gifted by selecting the action button at the top-right corner of the app's information card and select the "Gift" option. From there, gift givers can select who the app is going to and write a short message if needed. Gifts can be sent immediately or on a scheduled date up to 90 days in advance.

Gifting 1Password on an iPhone 5.
It should be noted that the Send Gift feature allows for multiple recipients, making it easier to share popular apps with friends and family.
Comments
That's pretty cool. Get apps for people ahead for their birthday or whatever, too.
I'd love it if they enabled an annual recurring gift giving option.
Originally Posted by SpamSandwich
I'd love it if they enabled an annual recurring gift giving option.
How would it know what gift to send each year?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tallest Skil
How would it know what gift to send each year?
I think Spam means store credit.
I wish Apple would reinstate the ability to gift free apps or at least make a purchase and defer the download. There have been a number of times where an app I'm tracking in App Shopper has dropped to free for a brief period of time. If the App is over 50 MB and I happen to be away from a wifi connection for that period you can't "purchase" it because the purchase doesn't process without being accompanied by an immediate download.
It it was a paid app I can simply gift it to myself to lock in the lower price then defer the download to a more convenient time.
Also why don't they allow gift purchases using iTunes credit? I've never purchased iTunes credit in stores for more than 25-30% off the face value. I don't want Apple charging my card directly.
Originally Posted by Dunks
I think Spam means store credit.
Oh! Hadn't thought of that. That's a good idea.
One of each, the latest version¡
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
Apple reactivates app gift giving with new 'send on' date feature
Fixed!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tallest Skil
How would it know what gift to send each year?
Give the gift of iTunes!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tallest Skil
Oh! Hadn't thought of that. That's a good idea.