Updating Apps with Unpaid Subscriptions

It’s so ridiculous that when you havent paid a subscription, you cant even update apps you already own or have installed. I play a free app every single day. Now it needs an update. Which also costs $0. Yet, since I haven’t paid for a subscription, I can’t download the update. Which means I can’t play my game. It’s seriously ridiculous. I have a super long unbroken streak with this game. But the only issue I’ve ever had with Apple is that you can’t download FREE apps if you have an unpaid subscription. It’s seriously such bs.

iPhone 14 Pro Max, iOS 16

Posted on Oct 23, 2023 12:51 PM

Reply
7 replies

Feb 23, 2024 9:16 AM in response to AngieMN

AngieMN wrote:

I thought this was a discussion, I did not know that I cannot respond and share my own frustration, even if that is valuable to me

You can certainly express your thoughts as you see fit. But you are arguing your point with other users, none of whom work for Apple or have anything to do with Apple Policy. It has ALWAYS been Apple's policy that if you owe for something you purchased and you haven't paid what you owe, you will NOT be allowed to download anything new from the App Store, or update apps from the App Store until you have paid your debt. It's unfortunate you have to wait to get paid, to pay your bills, but that is completely out of the realm of anything anyone here can help you with.


Since you seem upset by Apple's Policies, perhaps tell Apple what you think. Complaining here is a waste of your time. Feel free to share your thoughts with Apple here --> Feedback - iPhone - Apple


Oct 23, 2023 2:31 PM in response to Kmart828

You have to pay for things you have purchased and/or subscriptions that haven't been canceled yet.

If you bought 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

Feb 23, 2024 8:21 AM in response to Raicya

Obviously you have to pay for things you agreed to pay for. That still doesn’t change the fact that maybe I don’t get paid until Monday and my payment method will work then. Yet, I cannot update or download a free app because that hasn’t been paid, yet? If you try to purchase something else, obviously they should not let you until you pay what you already owe. And it won’t let you purchase anything in apps if you haven’t paid in full for the past due amounts. So that is already covered. Updating or downloading free things should have no connection to an unpaid subscription even if that app has purchases available in the app—because Apple will stop you from completing the in-app purchase. I paid how much for this phone?!? And my $5 unpaid subscription means I cannot update or download free games? But yet, I CAN play the ones I already have downloaded to my phone, as long as it doesn’t need an update. That does not make sense, sorry. If something is literally free, no money is changing hands until the consumer requests an in-app upgrade/tokens/subscription, etc.,at which time Apple denies the purchase. You cannot become more in debt for free downloads or updates. I don’t see the issue.

Feb 23, 2024 8:41 AM in response to AngieMN

Obviously you have to pay for things you agreed to pay for. That still doesn’t change the fact that maybe I don’t get paid until Monday and my subscription will be paid at that time. Yet, I cannot update or download a FREE app because of this unpaid subscription? I can see If you try to purchase something else, then they should obviously not let you until you pay what you already owe. Also, in-app purchases are purchased through Apple, and Apple won't let you purchase it until your account is paid in full. Apple will not let you make in-game purchases nor will it let you do anything else that costs money. Apple has that part covered. However, updating or downloading free things should have no connection to an unpaid subscription. As long as money isn't required right now and the update or download will NOT add to your debt, you should be able to download or update.

But yet, I CAN play the ones I already have downloaded to my phone, as long as it doesn’t need an update.Heck, I can still use the very app I owe $5, but I cannot update or download free ones? That does not make sense, sorry. If it is literally free, no money is changing hands until the consumer requests an in-app upgrade/tokens/subscription, etc.,at which time Apple denies the purchase because of your debt. I cannot become more in debt for free downloads or updates. I don’t see why updates or downloads already paid for or are free cannot be done.

Feb 23, 2024 9:03 AM in response to AngieMN

Hello again ~ You can discuss if you would like…no criticism at all. You are responding to a thread posted back in October of last year but feel free to do as you like. I thought to point you in the direction where you would feel most heard but obviously not what you wanted. This is a technical forum not a chat site. Take care and be well.


~Katana-San~

Updating Apps with Unpaid Subscriptions

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