Why is adding payment method necessary for installing free Apps on iPhone

Whether you have any subscriptions or not, a valid payment method is required to be on your Apple Account in order to use the App Store to download apps, even free apps. You won't be charged anything for a free app, unless you choose to make an In-App Purchase, which most free apps offer and is the only way they make any money, hence why you MUST have a valid payment method. Until you add a payment method, you simply won't be able to download apps.

If your payment methods lead to having no money, then you don't have a valid payment method on your account. Until you do, the rule stands that you won't be able to download apps as I explained above.

Why all of a sudden the payment method became a requirement to download apps. This feature is not good. So many games manipulate to accidentally click to in app purchases. This is the worst feature for seniors and kids. iPhone is getting less secure day by day. I am regretting for switching from Android. Most probably I won’t buy an apple again.

It’s getting worse. If you accidentally hit a button, you will be ending up purchasing something in an app. This is a ridiculous way to exploit users. I am sick of these business tactics these big companies using to make our lives miserable. I will switch to android , if they are doing the same, I will go back to old fashioned flip phones.

What button do you accidentally hit that ends up charging you. An in-purchase requires you to double click the side button with the amount showing on the screen, followed by verification using FaceID/TouchID or Passcode.

A payment method is required.

This is not an option.

ardmar24 wrote:

Why all of a sudden the payment method became a requirement to download apps.

That’s the way it’s always been.

Nothing has changed.