Apple Online Store payment method change fails after 3D Secure authentication

Apple Store Payment Method Change Fails After Successful 3D Secure Authentication

I'm experiencing a reproducible issue when trying to update the payment method for an existing order on the Italian Apple Online Store (apple.com/it).

Background

I placed an order for a custom-configured MacBook Pro and received the order confirmation email.

Initially, Apple accepted my original payment card. However, the payment was subsequently declined because the card has a €3,000 transaction limit, which cannot be increased.

The order is still active, and Apple's order status page displays a payment problem with an option to change the payment method.

The Problem

When I select "Change Payment Method" and enter a different card, the following happens:

1. The new payment method is accepted, and the 3D Secure authentication process starts.

2. I successfully authorize the payment through my bank.

3. The bank explicitly confirms that the payment was successful.

4. After a few seconds, instead of returning to Apple's order page and completing the payment, the browser displays raw HTML/JavaScript code.

5. The payment is not completed, and the order remains in a payment-error state.

The displayed HTML contains an automatically submitted POST form targeting an Apple endpoint similar to:

/it/shop/order/.../resume/ext_payment

The form contains hidden fields such as Response, MD, and redirected.

Troubleshooting Performed

I have reproduced the exact same issue using:

- Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

- Different payment cards.

- Cards issued by two different banks.

- Multiple payment attempts.

In every case, the bank confirms successful authentication, but Apple's website fails to complete the payment.

No completed charges appear on the replacement cards.

I have also contacted Apple Support, but the representative was unable to resolve the problem.

Expected Behavior

After successful 3D Secure authentication, Apple's website should process the new payment method and complete the payment for the existing order.

Actual Behavior

The browser displays raw HTML/JavaScript instead of completing the payment, leaving the existing order unpaid.

Possible Cause

I suspect the problem is related to the payment-method update workflow for an existing order after the original payment was declined.

The issue appears to occur during the return from 3D Secure authentication to Apple's payment processing page.

Questions

- Has anyone experienced this issue when changing the payment method on an existing Apple Store order?

- Is there a workaround that allows the payment to be completed without cancelling the order?

I would strongly prefer not to cancel and recreate the order, as it is a custom-configured MacBook Pro and doing so could affect the estimated delivery date.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.