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User profile for user: jonasfrommünchen
jonasfrommünchen Author
User level: Level 1
9 points

Will changing your Apple ID country or region keep all your App purchases conducted through apple App Store (Mac, iPhone etc.)

Regarding article published Aug 27th 2020 --> Change your Apple ID country or region – Apple Support


After changing my country or region will Mac / iPhone apps purchased through the App Store in the old region still be available in my new account? Or do I need to buy everything again? My assumption would be that purchases aren't region specific, or at the very least if a certain app is available in both regions App Store, that it'd be transferable. Very thankful for any confirmation / explanation you guys can give.


Kind Regards and many thanks

Posted on Jan 6, 2021 4:50 AM

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User profile for user: MoonJ.
MoonJ.
User level: Community Specialist

Posted on Jan 8, 2021 10:41 AM

Hey jonasfrommünchen,


We understand you have question regarding your purchases when switching your Apple ID country. Certain purchases are regional and may not transfer over to your new Apple ID country. You will not lose the purchase items, they just will not be available for use while in your new country.


Change your Apple ID country or region


Have a good day.

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User profile for user: MoonJ.
MoonJ.
User level: Community Specialist

Jan 8, 2021 10:41 AM in response to jonasfrommünchen

Hey jonasfrommünchen,


We understand you have question regarding your purchases when switching your Apple ID country. Certain purchases are regional and may not transfer over to your new Apple ID country. You will not lose the purchase items, they just will not be available for use while in your new country.


Change your Apple ID country or region


Have a good day.

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User profile for user: jonasfrommünchen
jonasfrommünchen Author
User level: Level 1
9 points

Jan 8, 2021 1:01 PM in response to MoonJ.

Hey MoonJ.


Thanks so much for getting back to my question. Am I understanding correctly that:

  • If an item is available in both countries, I will be able to use it, regardless which of the two regions is currently associated with my account
  • If I purchased a software, which is not available in whichever region is currently associated to my account I will not be able to download & use it unless I switch back?


If my understanding is correct I have a couple of questions:

  1. Is there a convenient way to check which of my purchases are available in my desired target location?
  2. If the region gets changed to one where apps - already installed on an iPhone or Mac - are not available, are these installed apps removed, or do they stay on the device?
  3. What would be a reason a software is only available in a specific region?
  4. Is it fair to assume that a software is generally available anywhere unless a specific reason forbids it, or do DEVs have to make them available specifically? Meaning is worldwide availability the norm, or the exception?


Kind Regards and many thanks

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User profile for user: Eric Root
Eric Root
User level: Level 10
684,843 points

Jan 8, 2021 1:26 PM in response to jonasfrommünchen

If an item is available and the version is compatible with the version you already have, you can use it/update it in either region.


Reference your 2nd bullet, you can use the software, but you won't be able to download it again or update it.


The installed apps should remain.


The reason the software isn't available in a specific region is because the Developer didn't submit a copy for approval/use in that region.


The Developer has to make the software available. For example, the Developer may not have made a copy that uses the language of a region.

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Will changing your Apple ID country or region keep all your App purchases conducted through apple App Store (Mac, iPhone etc.)

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