ysimhoni

Q: Switching stores = Different catalogs?

Hi,

 

I am currently subscribed to the US iTunes Store for my Apple Music service. As I currently live in Israel, I have the upportunity to switch to the Israeli store, for a big discount on Apple Music. I have two main concerns with that:

1. Is the artists catalog any different from country to country? Wouldn't like to lose some of my favorite artists, in favor of popular (and lame) local artists.

2. Should this influence in any way my iTunes Match subscription? If I understand correctly, Apple Music will overtake iTunes Match in iOS 10 without extra pay for that service. Is that true? If so, will this be valid internationally?

 

Thanks!

 

Joe

iPhone 6s Plus, iOS 9.3.5

Posted on Sep 8, 2016 9:53 AM

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Q: Switching stores = Different catalogs?

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  • by Carolyn Samit,Helpful

    Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit Sep 8, 2016 2:47 PM in response to ysimhoni
    Level 10 (120,162 points)
    Apple Watch
    Sep 8, 2016 2:47 PM in response to ysimhoni
  • by ysimhoni,

    ysimhoni ysimhoni Sep 8, 2016 2:48 PM in response to Carolyn Samit
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple Music
    Sep 8, 2016 2:48 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

    Thanks. Changing stores sounds like too much of a hassle.

  • by Carolyn Samit,

    Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit Sep 8, 2016 3:07 PM in response to ysimhoni
    Level 10 (120,162 points)
    Apple Watch
    Sep 8, 2016 3:07 PM in response to ysimhoni

    Welcome

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Sep 8, 2016 3:24 PM in response to ysimhoni
    Level 9 (53,643 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 8, 2016 3:24 PM in response to ysimhoni

    Changing stores sounds like too much of a hassle.

    Yes, but if you live in Israel you can only use the Israeli iTunes Store.  If Apple catches you using another store they could close your account for breach of agreement.

     

    The iTunes Store in a country is intended for use only by that country's residents, and only while they are in the country. To use the iTunes Store in a country you need a credit card (or other card type if acceptable in a country) issued in that country, billed to an address in that country, and also be physically present in that country when using the store.  You are also restricted to waiting 90 days between country changes.

     

    E.g., "The iTunes Service is available to you only in the United States, its territories, and possessions. You agree not to use or attempt to use the iTunes Service from outside these locations. Apple may use technologies to verify your compliance." - http://www.apple.com/legal/itunes/us/terms.html#SERVICE

     

    Before you change country make sure you have downloaded and backed up any purchases from your previous country's store.  You will not be able to re-download them again once you change countries and it won't be easy to change countries to the previous one once you lose your payment method for the former country (as well as a wait period).  As long as you have them on your computer you will be okay.  You will also not be able to update any apps you have purchased.

     

    Change your iTunes Store country or region - https://support.apple.com/HT201389 - "After you change the country of your account, you won't see the items you purchased from the previous country’s store in the Purchased section."

     

    Unless Apple has made an official announcement about what it will be doing with iOS10 we don't know what they will be doing.  It would surprise me if the service would be international. Currently it is country by country as the licensing terms have to be individually customized for each country's laws.  I don't see that changing anytime soon.