Although over 1 billion people use Apple products worldwide, some users did not have access to apps requiring payment, like Apple Music.
Rabat – During a time when many people are glued to their screens while working from home or connecting with friends and family, Apple is expanding access to multiple apps in Morocco, including the App Store and Apple Music.
Moroccans who use iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers will now be able to access Apple’s media services, such as the App Store, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, Apple TV app (synced videos only), and Apple Podcasts.
Morocco, along with 19 other countries, recently received access to the media apps. Apple did not extend access to the iTunes Store, Apple Books, and Apple News to Morocco, unlike some other countries with new access to the App store.
After purchasing an Apple product, users who want access to the App Store must register their Apple ID by following a registration process that prompts them to input a country’s location.
Previously, Morocco was not listed as an option, leaving users unable to enter shipping or billing addresses. It was then impossible to download or purchase anything from the App Store or iTunes without a bank account abroad.
Some determined users have previously bypassed Apple’s restrictions by “jailbreaking” their phones—a risky process that violates Apple’s iOS end-software license agreement.
Although over 1 billion people use Apple products worldwide, the company’s media services are limited depending on where users are located.
Read also: Huawei Ready to Launch 5G Network in Morocco
Apple’s website informs users, “Depending on your country or region, you might not be able to buy or download certain types of media. The availability and features of certain apps, movies, and more can vary. If you think an app or other media should be available in your country or region, contact the developer or publisher directly.”
The page goes on to list the specific services available by country.
Apple is now offering Moroccans, among the other users with access to Apple Music for the first time, a free six-month trial.
In addition to Morocco, other African and Middle Eastern countries are able to access Apple media services including Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, the Congo, Gabon, Libya, Rwanda, Zambia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Apple has also onboarded six countries in Europe, two countries in Asia-Pacific, and three countries in Oceania.
While there are licensed Apple product sellers in Morocco, there are no Apple stores in the country.
