Apple agreement solves app problem

Tuesday 11 October 2016

A long-running tech problem which meant Islanders couldn’t purchase Apple apps using their own postal address has been resolved.

In response to a Freedom of Information request, the States says that it's taken years of negotiations to resolve the issue over Jersey postcodes not being accepted in app stores. An agreement has been reached with Apple, but the problem remains for other providers such as Amazon, or Android apps.

“Basically anyone who bought an Apple smartphone and tried to register using a Jersey postcode could not do so as the technology didn’t recognise it. You had to use a UK address instead, which is how many people got around it. 

“But we spoke to Apple, went to their European headquarters in London and they understood the problem. We have finally resolved the matter and the system is now up and running. I’ve even tested it myself and can confirm that it works perfectly well.”

While smartphone users can now buy apps via Apple, there is still a similar problem with Android phones, as again the technology does not recognise the Jersey postcode. 

But Mr Moretta is convinced a resolution is only months away. 

“I think we are talking months and not years,” he said. “Basically the problem with Android phones is the same, the Jersey postcode is not accepted. 

“We have spoken to Google about their Android phones and they are very receptive. They understand this is something that needs to be addressed, so hopefully it will get done within the next few months. 

“At the moment, Android users have to use a false address in the UK in order to buy apps, which is obviously not ideal. It shouldn’t take long, as I’m glad to say that problem is now being dealt with and I’m confident it will be resolved soon.”