You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Why is my iPhone trying to charge for free apps?

It’s trying to charge me for free apps I won’t let me download anything


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 11, iOS 16

Posted on Sep 18, 2023 7:53 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 18, 2023 8:01 AM

It’s trying to charge me for free apps

No, but if you purchase something then you have to pay, if you don't pay then you owe that amount to Apple until you pay.

You can download free apps, but you may need to have a valid payment method on file, even if the app you want to download is free. 

You can have a credit card / debit card on file and an Apple Account balance.

If you have set your Apple Account balance as your default payment method, your default payment method will be used first by Apple when you need to make a payment.

 

Free apps has also In-app pruchase.

See -> Buy additional app features with in-app purchases and subscriptions

Buy additional app features with in-app purchases and subscriptions

See also -> Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions

Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple

 

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 18, 2023 8:01 AM in response to AmandaBrandon

It’s trying to charge me for free apps

No, but if you purchase something then you have to pay, if you don't pay then you owe that amount to Apple until you pay.

You can download free apps, but you may need to have a valid payment method on file, even if the app you want to download is free. 

You can have a credit card / debit card on file and an Apple Account balance.

If you have set your Apple Account balance as your default payment method, your default payment method will be used first by Apple when you need to make a payment.

 

Free apps has also In-app pruchase.

See -> Buy additional app features with in-app purchases and subscriptions

Buy additional app features with in-app purchases and subscriptions

See also -> Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions

Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple

 

Sep 18, 2023 8:02 AM in response to AmandaBrandon

You need a valid payment method in your app store account, even for free apps. It won’t charge you for the free app, but the payment method must be attached to the account. Under some circumstances once you have downloaded a free app you may be able to remove the payment method, unless you have any apps with in-app purchases or that offer subscriptions.

Why is my iPhone trying to charge for free apps?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.