Can I download apps without a credit card or any payment method?
DO I need to give a form of payment to download free apps on iTunes or the store?
iPhone 6, iOS 12
You have to have some form of payment method set up in order to download apps. This can be a gift card, doesn't have to be a credit card. Most free apps have some sort of in-app purchase, this is why you need to have a payment method.
Payment methods that you can use with your Apple ID - Apple Support