PayPal claims workaround for in-app purchases

PayPal in a recent presentation said it would offer its system to pay for in-app purchases on both Android and the iPhone. The company's Benelux regional manager, Dennis van Allermeersch, said PayPal had developed a method that would let users sign into the service and pay without having to use an existing system like Google Checkout or, purportedly, an iTunes account. Van Allermeersch claimed that the method would be allowed in the iPhone's App Store.

"We have found a way, Apple is okay with it," he was quoted as saying.

The system should also include a mobile purchasing system for buying physical goods, but it won't include buying songs from iTunes since Apple already has support for PayPal in its iTunes account system. A new PayPal app has reportedly been submitted to the App Store.

Both the Android and iPhone implementations should be ready in the spring for North America as well as Australia and parts of western Europe.

Using PayPal could be an important alternative for mobile apps, as the traditional system often rules out teens or those in certain countries that often choose prepaid services. Without credit cards, app purchases are typically more difficult, if not impractical. [via Gadgets DNA]

By Electronista Staff