Why can't I update free apps with unpaid subscriptions from the App Store?

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

niaya33 wrote:

I need to update my apps with some subscriptions I canceled for i cant update my apps

If you owe any money to Apple, you can't update apps. Those are the rules. And you MUST have a valid payment method on your account. Mac JiM ID provided a link which you should definitely use.

Also, if your account is disabled in the App Store, read this --> If a message says 'Your Media & Purchases account has been disabled' - Apple Support

And this link explains how to update your payment method --> If you need to change or update your Apple Account payment method - Apple Support

We have to say you aren't speaking with Apple here. This is a user to user only forum, so we are all users just like you are.

If you annoyed, surely you've contacted Apple Support directly for help by now?

You can use the Support button at the bottom of this and every page here in this forum.

ayrial65 wrote:

I’m getting annoyed to the point were I want to switch to android because I paid all of them off yet they still won’t go away apple what do y’all have to say about this!

The source of the subscription is important for how it will need to be cancelled:

• Did you find the subscription at:

If you want to cancel a subscription from Apple - Apple Support

Many developers advertise a free trial/subscription on Social Media or Websites where you are directed to sign up for the subscription with them directly and bypass the ability by Apple to manage the subscription. If that is the case, Apple is not able to cancel the subscription and it needs to be done with that company directly.

Hello~ Arguing the point here is of no value. Apple’s playground thus Apple’s rules. It’s just the way it is. You can leave your feedback by clicking on below…

Product Feedback - Apple

~Katana-San~

Hello~ Click on below and let Apple know…

Product Feedback - Apple

~Katana-San~

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.

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.

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~

I also feel like it is that you can’t update apps whenever you are in debt or haven’t paid a subscription. Not being able to download apps a little bit understandable. But taking away updates on the apps you play on is messed up. Then your card gets glitched and I always be putting my correct CVV and it says it’s not saved when I know I pressed save. I like the iPhone just some of the things it does is just whack and doing to much.

[Edited by Moderator]

Ok but wait so if it was like a free thingy, a free trial and then subscription starts on ____, you don’t technically OWE because you aren’t using the subscription in the meantime you are paying to be able to use it now. Correct? Anyways, how tf do I find Al my subscriptions and remove them? (Please and thank you no frustration is aimed in your specific direction)

They have charged me for so many free trials way before the free trial was even up and fully charged me for the product that I was trying and I’ve gotten to it. I don’t even do the free trials anymore and I’ve called and complained every time.

I’m serious. I’ve never had this problem with Google before Google play. I mean it’s ridiculous that even when you have the app like for instance I have my favorite games too, but let’s take crucial apps like people that work through like Uber Lyft DoorDash things like that they’re running behind a little or nine times out of 10. My problem is I’ve had money in my bank or my Apple Pay and when I do purchase something they say they take it out and later I have Big being charged me because I never took it out. That’s ridiculous. I’ve never had that problem before with Google play they should make it illegal for them to do things like that .

Wait, am I gonna get like blocked or banned for speaking in my mind on how APPLE doesn’t allow a base one there’s a balance a balance that accumulated because they confirmed that they charge your account or there was money and they said they never did so you’re stuck with his bill. I just think if they really care about the customers they should hear our feedback.