iPad App Store Goes Live In UK

Apple fans outside of the US got their first look at the online application catalogue for the iPad today.

The iPad App Store has, until now, only been available to US users, even though the device itself is not due to go on sale in the UK for two weeks.

US-specific apps are not there

Despite the fanfare, a number of US-specific applications and content is unavailable to those outside of Apple’s home country.

Those affectionately termed ‘fanbois,’ who couldn’t wait for their local launch and rushed to the US to buy an iPad when it was first launched in January this year are in for a shock when they try to play apps purchased through the US-only iPad App Store.

iPad owners can only access apps and content with a local iTunes account.

Those accessing iPad content with a US account prior to today’s international App Store launch can swap or merge account details. But applications are authenticated by a particular account and not the device itself, meaning they have been locked out of accessing future updates for apps bought through a US account.

The App Store launch must seem scant consolation to fans though. Apple has already pushed the UK’s delivery of the iPad back twice, it said, to high demand. And it is charging UK users approximately five and seven percent more money for the device than their US counterparts.