Yes, I have seen others mention similar situations, and no, there is no magical solution. Nor even an non-magical one. Unless you can get somebody more senior at Apple to do something, you may have to live with the mistake.
The people responding on this support forum are users like you. We have no special access to Apple information or your accounts, so unfortunately all we can do is guide you to the information Apple does provide. Apple, however, does not have much on its criteria for refusing refunds. Here are two sections from Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions - Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple
- "All Transactions are final."
I understand this as meaning Apple is starting from a point where any refund is considered an exception. Apple may provide a refund but can also simply say no without having to provide a reason. I understand this can be frustrating but by using the service you agree to the terms.
- "From time to time, Apple may suspend or cancel payment or refuse a refund request if we find evidence of fraud, abuse, or unlawful or other manipulative behavior that entitles Apple to a corresponding counterclaim." Remember that Apple has no way of removing a purchase from your device. They have to trust you are being honest when asking for a refund. It may be certain refund requests (such as a large number of requests, or requests for items which are consumables such as jewels or coins) might be considered suspicious or ineligible.
You can see if the terms are different for where you live by clicking on this link Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple select your location and then your language.
If you feel you want to discuss a refund request, try to contact an Apple representative using a telephone or chat request.
Click here --> Choose your country or region - Official Apple Support Select your country, then a product. If you don't see one that handles your issue then keep experimenting with selections until you reach one that gets you a chat session or a telephone call and get the representative to redirect you.
or:
"See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world." Click here --> Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support
Apple’s position appears to be that people need to be proactive with purchases, canceling subscriptions at least 24 hours before trials end, and ensuring that others are not able to make purchases on a user’s account. Note that if you allow another person access to purchasing on a device, or through Family Sharing if you are the Organizer, you are taking responsibility for things they do. Apple offers these proactive features:
On your device you can use Screen Time to prevent unintentional or unauthorized purchases from the App Store, in-app, and other Apple services. —> Use Screen Time to turn off in-app purchases on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
Also on your device, require a password for App Store and iTunes purchases —> Require a password for purchases in the App Store and other Apple services - Apple Support
Use Screen Time as part of parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch —> Use parental controls on your child's iPhone and iPad - Apple Support
If a child made this purchase on their device, consider activating Ask To Buy—> Approve what kids buy with Ask to Buy - Apple Support
Wait until your child borrows your car. ;-)
