How do I request a refund for unwanted app subscriptions?

Just because it says it might take that long does not mean it will take that long.

Read this support article for information about how to check the status of a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple, and long it takes to receive a refund if you are granted one --> Check the status of a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple - Apple Support

After you request a refund you'll receive a status update by email within 48 hours. If your refund is approved, the funds are applied to the same payment method that you used to buy the item. How long it takes for a refund to appear on your account or statement depends upon the payment method used:

● Store credit—It might take up to 48 hours to see the refund in your Apple Account balance.

● Mobile phone billing—It might take up to 60 days for the statement to show the refund. Processing time might be affected by your carrier. You can contact your carrier for an update.

● Credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Apple Cash, and all other payment methods—It might take up to 30 days for the statement to show the refund. If you don't see the refund after 30 days, contact your financial institution."

Since the article specifically says "statement", which for me is the thing that arrives monthly in my mailbox, I wonder if you check your daily card transactions if you might see it earlier?

Since Apple did not start a subscription without your permission, you really need to figure out what happened. You will not be able to speed up the refund process, but can avoid that from happening again in the future. If you signed up for a free trial, then you did authorize the subscription if you did not cancel before the trial period ended. You will want to make sure you do this at least 24 hours before to avoid any charges. With a free trial, it requires your permission by double clicking the side button with the subscription amount showing on the screen if you do not cancel.

If it was a subscription that you did not make, then it could be that someone else knows your Passcode/Password. If that is the case you have to change them immediately. Allowing someone access to your device gives them permission to make purchases if you have not previously put restrictions on your device to prevent it.

Apple didn’t subscribe you to anything. you should have paid attention to the terms of service for whatever app or service you downloaded, all free trials automatically rollover to a paid subscription unless you cancel it.

There is nothing you can do to speed up your refund.

Nope, that is not how it works. Free Trials become subscriptions if you do not cancel them yourself. Not having the money on your card does not cancel the subscription. This is the way to cancel a subscription or free trial. Make sure you do this 24 hours before the trial period ends.

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

In some cases Apple will provide a compassionate refund, but it should never be expected. I would not count on a refund if it happens again, so just make sure you do cancel that free trial next time.