If you go to download a new app from the OSX or iOS App Stores today, you might notice that things are looking a little different: every app that was previously 'free' to download now invites you to 'get' it instead.

While it's a small change that won't affect most users, the reasoning behind it is due to an EU and Federal Trade Commission ruling on how Apple words its digital transactions. 

The real change is that Apple has closed the gap on potential lawsuits; over the summer, the tech giant had to settle with a number of angry parents who downloaded free gaming apps, only for their children to run up huge charges via in-app purchases. 

It may well be spun as a call-to-action marketing move, but it does offer the company an excellent defence against any future lawsuits.