Why do I need a payment
I’m not putting any card on this phone the games should be free
iPhone 12, iOS 17
Question marked as
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