iOS 9: App Store requires password for free download

Good point. But I used to be able to turn it off for free apps and updates, though I can't recall where.

You're in the right place, unless you had restrictions on in which case it's in there.

Manage your iTunes Store and App Store password preferences - Apple Support

My and the OP's problem is that the setting is ignored. Often I can find it magically changed back too.

Same here, was fine before the iOs9 update.

Updated to 9.0.1 just now and it still asks for password.

It's most annoying

Doesn't seem widespread enough to get Apple's attention for 9.0.1. I gave up - restored and set up the phone as new via iTunes (evening wasted). It works fine now, though I hold my breath until the little circle starts appearing. Interestingly under the Password Settings the Free Downloads Require Password is ticked, though slightly faded - not going to touch it!

Restoring as new isn't that bad if you are willing to lose some things and know what you are doing, just takes time.
Photos - copied to computer and synced back (or PhotoStream)
Texts/Calls - happy to lose

Mail/Contacts/Notes/Safari - synced with cloud
Music/Podcasts/Books - all in iTunes
Apps - installed from iTunes

App data - some synced with cloud. For others where you want to copy over the data use iBackupBot - worked a treat.

I don't know if can be bothered with restoring as I'm off on holiday in a few days.
I may do it when I get home, it's such a chore .........
Although it's a good excuse to clear out some apps that aren't being used.

I had the same exact problem (on my 5c) and this fixed it for me.

Settings... General... Reset... Reset all settings

Then...

General... Restrictions...

ITunes Store "Enabled"

Installing Apps "Enabled"

Deleting Apps "Enabled"

In-App Purchases "Disabled"

General... Restrictions... Password Settings...

... Purchases & In-App Purchases...

Required after 15 Minutes CHECKED

... Free Downloads...

Require Password "ENABLED"

Then I went to App Store updates and updated all my apps (yes, I did have to enter my password this one time)

About an hour or so later there were a few new app updates, I pressed "update all" and they updated without me needing to enter my password !!

Out of curiosity I then went back into General... Restrictions... Password Settings... and nothing was checked

Free Downloads... Require Password is enabled but greyed out (and I can't change it)

I don't know if it was the settings, the reset, or both that worked for me (or if this will work for you) but it's worth trying... just don't forget to re-enable/login into your wi-fi after you "reset all settings" so you don't use up data.

Reset All Settings should fix it, just keep wifi passwords handy and hope you don't get stuck in a boot loop.

Yes, iTunes will ask to backup apps.

daedos wrote:

Yes, iTunes will ask to backup apps.

Almost. Apps are never part of the backup. But if you have apps on your iOS device that are not in the iTunes library you will be asked if you want to copy them to the library. You can also do this explicitly on the File menu, Devices, Transfer Purchases. This also applies to music purchased on the device.

When I backup in iTunes it does not prompt me to backup the apps, not sure if it does the backup of apps automatically or not?

I think the problem is that the password or some setting is not stored correctly for the email address associated with App and iTunes Stores and when I "reset all settings" it cleared it.

You can clear it without doing a reset by going to "Settings... App and iTunes Stores..." then press "Apple ID: your email address here" and "Sign Out"

Then go to app updates and press "update all", you will be prompted for your apple id. Choose "use existing id" and enter your email address and password.

Note: I'm not sure if this will work if you have only 1 update available. There were 2 updates available on my iPad when I did this and when I chose "update all" it prompted me for my apple id. When I tried to perform a single app update (instead of update all) it only prompted me for my password and not my email address. . This might not make any difference, but I thought it was worth mentioning...

Bill

Reset all settings worked for me - *touch wood*

It was a bit of a faff having to turn off notification sounds, I won't know if I've got rid of them all until I hear one :-)
Background had reset, All the data was still there etc.
When I use an app options pop up, but once it's done it's done.

.

I Have the same problem since IOS 9 on my iPhone 5, but not on my iPad. Both have the same settings. I have to enter a password to update apps on the phone now. It is so irritating! I Have to enter the password to get free apps, as well. TThis was this was all fine before the update.