Are “free trials” a scam?

Why does Apple offer “free trials” on apps and games if you are charged anyway? I am about to completely stop with all Apple products because of this. For example, the last game I downloaded I knew I didn’t.t like it as soon as I started playing so I cancelled it after like 2 hours and I had a 3-day trial but I was still charged. I have been charged $200 for keynote toolbox when I have never used keynote, and they can see that in my history yet I was denied a refund. Every time I talk to support they tell me to request a refund only to turn around and deny it.

iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Jul 13, 2025 12:35 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 13, 2025 5:20 AM

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 the U.S.A. version of Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions - Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple 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.


- "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 might be considered suspicious or excessive.

According to https://reportaproblem.apple.com/static/en-us/privacy.html , Apple uses an automated system to detect fraud. Your request may not have met the automated system’s criteria for a refund. If you feel you want to discuss a refund request with a person, try to contact an Apple representative by email —> “If you disagree with your final decision, contact dpo@apple.com “


If you wish to try a telephone or chat method, 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 Support - Apple Support


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 13, 2025 5:20 AM in response to CDials

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 the U.S.A. version of Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions - Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple 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.


- "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 might be considered suspicious or excessive.

According to https://reportaproblem.apple.com/static/en-us/privacy.html , Apple uses an automated system to detect fraud. Your request may not have met the automated system’s criteria for a refund. If you feel you want to discuss a refund request with a person, try to contact an Apple representative by email —> “If you disagree with your final decision, contact dpo@apple.com “


If you wish to try a telephone or chat method, 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 Support - Apple Support


Jul 13, 2025 1:05 AM in response to CDials

What game trial are you talking about? Apple Arcade? Why did you subscribe to Toolbox for Keynote if you knew you wouldn’t use it? Just for better understanding.

also, that “toolbox” offers a yearly subscription, hence the $200, it’s not an apple service and I do not know their ToS, so…


note: if you purchase subscriptions or similar offers in apps not from apple, apple is not responsible and will most likely deny a refund as you have most likely agreed in the app to request no refunds.

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Are “free trials” a scam?

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