Apple adds 'buy now, download later' option to iTunes Store

Apple has added a new option to the iTunes Store that lets users purchase something now but download it later. Before this, purchased content would automatically start downloading, which wasn't always the desired behaviour, especially while buying stuff on the go.

Macworld notes that Apple has extended this option to movies, individual TV show episodes, TV Season Passes, completed seasons, movie bundles, music box sets, and 'Complete my TV season' as well as 'Complete my Season pass'.

When purchasing any of the above items on a Mac or Windows PC via iTunes 11 or an iOS device running iOS 6 or later, you will now be presented with Later and Download (or Download All) buttons. Tap Download and your purchase will be downloaded as usual, but if you tap Later, the item will be added to the list of your purchases and will be accessible on all your devices via Apple's iTunes in the Cloud feature.

Note that iTunes in the Cloud availability for various types of purchases like Music, Music Videos, Movies, TV Shows, Apps and Books varies from one region to the other. Refer Apple's support document for details of availability in your region.

The new feature will come in really handy when you spot a limited time bargain on the iTunes Store, but don't have the bandwidth to download it right away. While users always had the option to cancel a download after it had started, the latest addition will save them an extra step.