Apple requires credit card to use device NOT impressed

[hermespan]

In this 1084 world of state and corporate surveillance I am very concerned to discover that is either essential or the default that one must have a credit card to use an iPhone. This years at my heart for it violates multiple privacy principles. I was assured by the salesman at the official apple store that I could register my Apple device under any name and any address. It appears he is misinformed (or I am and I don't understand Apple).

I finally got my combination of Apple ID (why don't they just call it your email address because that's what it is) and password to work on this tiny device. The whole point of my doing this was so I could download the gmail app as using the regular one appears to not allow searches. And in order to download one has to enter one's Apple ID ( Microsoft doesn't require such, what the heck is going on here?

You get the opportunity to send terms and conditions, all 56 pages to one's email, but only ONE PAGE AT A TIME and there is no layman's 'what this really says' version,

Then they ask for credit card info in order to register to buy stuff on itunes,

. Double what the heck is going on here. I don't care if there is no charge, I don't sign up for porn sites (just give us your cc#) why should I for Apple. Why are they verifying identities? Who is Apple working folksy important - what is the workaround to maintain privacy and still use an iPhone? I am not outraged by the dividing nations up into discreet markets with their own rules, but I am very disturbed by the prospect of banks, gov'ts and computer companies working in lockstep. I don't march.

[hermespan]

And why is iPhone spellchecker changing my words?

[sustento]

How to create an Apple account without a credit card.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2534

[hermespan]

I have an apple ID. But in the process of trying to download and install gmail app I was taken to iTunes registration and told to record a credit card. I thought iTunes was a great software for organizing music. What sort of monstrosity has it turned into - asking for credit cards in order to download non apple apps?

[sustento]

I've no idea. I avoid Apple like the plague.

[hermespan]

I just verified that I am not imagining some cyber spector. This is real.

After clicking on 'free' on the link found in google search for 'gmail app iPhone' and entering the obligatory Apple ID and password I get the following...

"This Apple ID. has not been used in the iTunes store. Tap review to sign in, then review your account information"

At this point I have two choices...

1. Cancel and get no app

2. Review and demand for credit card

[arkom]

You don't need a credit card to download free apps. When you to go to the page to enter a credit card, select none.

[hermespan]

I would like to say 'thanks brother' but I cannot. At least when I select Canada' at first step the options on next page are three major companies.

There is no 'none' option

[4evermaat]

Can you post screenshots of the last page and maybe the page or two before to follow the sequence?

Blur out any sensitive data.

"...the 2nd best time to plant a tree is today." Sent from ThaiVisa app (Galaxy Note 2).

[Stjohnm]

I recently set up a UK based Apple ID for apps exclusive to that store, there's no CC registered on that account & never has been, I buy gift vouchers from Apple Stores in the UK to charge it with credit when I want to make purchases.

Sent from my iPad using ThaiVisa app

[hermespan]

Of I knew how to safely do so, or even at all - I would. But I a computer ningkompoop

In case anonymous use of an apple ID. Is something unique to using a card in Canada I tried Cambodia, USA, Thailand and Singspore. Same.

Knowing Germany's strict privacy laws I also tried that bastion of freedom. Guess what, Germany isn't even an option. Maybe this policy got Apple banned.

The only unusual (?) situation is that maybe the Apple big Sister computer picks up that the device I am using was purchased for cash and they are determined to monitor stray cats like me.

[hermespan]

Another factor could be that in the store in Canada when I registered the salesman was cool with an anonymous purchase and filled in some bogus address and when I registered my Apple ID I used yet another bogus address in Cambodia. When I buy a pair of shoes I don't provide my life history and banking info, so I won't for a computer, phone or bag of peanuts.

[harrry]

The Ipod I have which I cannot download on now is the last apple product I buy for this reason.

[NCC1701A]

1. Once you are satisfied with the information entered, click Continue.
2. Select None as the payment type.

   

3. Continue to fill out the required name and address fields.

[hermespan]

Maybe solution found on an Apple support specific forum. According to terms of this forum I can post links, right? So here is the gist of it. I will tell you if it works...

1. Launch iTunes

2. Click 'iTunes store' in left pane

3. Click down arrow next to your name top right

4. Click 'account'

5. Enter user name and password

6. Click 'view account' to log on

7. Next to payment click on 'edit'

8. Select 'none'

9. Click 'done'

I have my doubts this song and dance is going to work, especially as I don't have an iTunes account. This whole set up strikes an every similarity to social insurance numbers.

[NCC1701A]

the politics of the corporate leadership at Apple are not exactly Libertarian, to say the least. they would be clueless to understand your concerns.

[hermespan]

Yep, didn't work. Firstly I went to iTunes by a google search, and this device apparently has has a memory as it took me to a list of Cabadian iTunes web page links though I didn't specify.

Them I tried iTunes Hong Kong and got Chinese without an English option obvious. Finally I went to iTunes.au but on that page I did not see any arrow next to my name on the top right. So, no dice.

[hermespan]

Here is my proof. I tried leaving everything blank then I got a message attesting to that fact.

[hermespan]

Reading various Apple discussion forums I see all sorts of proposedf solutions: sign out, click on Philippines, don't be in the USA. So far none of them work.

Aside from the practical solution I do wonder why Apple is doing this, while Microsoft does not.

[justsumhelp]

Reading various Apple discussion forums I see all sorts of proposedf solutions: sign out, click on Philippines, don't be in the USA. So far none of them work.

Aside from the practical solution I do wonder why Apple is doing this, while Microsoft does not.

Your doing something wrong, you dont need a credit card to download free apps no matter what countries store you use......

[arkom]

Open the App Store on the iPhone. Select a free app and install it. If you don't have an apple id, they will ask you to create one. When you get to the last step that asks for payment info, you can select none.

This worked for me and everyone else it know.

Edited August 3, 2013 by arkom

[harrry]

Open the App Store on the iPhone. Select a free app and install it. If you don't have an apple id, they will ask you to create one. When you get to the last step that asks for payment info, you can select none.

This worked for me and everyone else it know.

It does not work if you allready have an apple id and cancelled your card. I do not want to lose the aps I have by getting a new account.

[arkom]

Open the App Store on the iPhone. Select a free app and install it. If you don't have an apple id, they will ask you to create one. When you get to the last step that asks for payment info, you can select none.

This worked for me and everyone else it know.

It does not work if you allready have an apple id and cancelled your card. I do not want to lose the aps I have by getting a new account.

You can go to the account setting in iTunes and change the payment method. If you do not want a payment method on your account, select None in the payment type section.

Instructions here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1918

[hermespan]

Open the App Store on the iPhone. Select a free app and install it. If you don't have an apple id, they will ask you to create one. When you get to the last step that asks for payment info, you can select none.

This worked for me and everyone else it know.

It does not work if you allready have an apple id and cancelled your card. I do not want to lose the aps I have by getting a new account.

I have not cancelled my card. I have a new Apple ID ( there might have been some hassle registering that ID, and it took a long time to get it to function) for proof that I get no 'none' option see...

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/658251-apple-requires-credit-card-to-use-device-not-impressed/?p=6680497

[RogueLeader]

You misunderstood. You thought you were buying a computing device from Apple. What you've actually paid for is a media sales channel.

Don't buy Apple mobile devices if you just want a device.

[MAJIC]

Follow the instructions on this link,which will allow you to Edit your Itunes account.,i.e you can delete your Credit or Debit Card,of many other parts of your Account

I know this works,from personal experience,.....when you first get an Ipad,Apple require that when first signing in and creating your account,you must give a Debit or Credit Card.This so you can buy Apps on line and download to your Ipad,you have the option of only using Free Apps or Buy Now. Unfortunately Children in particular do not understand this method of payment,I got stung for two games @ £12.99 before I put a stop to it,two friends of ours children downloaded a £69.99 game,before I cancelled their Debit Card.

This is a very dangerous method of Payments,get rid of it, or you might end up like a case on BBC TV, where the family children downloaded £1,700 worth of Apps.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1918

I wonder how many Millions, Apple have made by customers not bothering to make the effort to try and reclaim?

Edited August 3, 2013 by MAJIC

[tominbkk]

In this 1084 world of state and corporate surveillance I am very concerned to discover that is either essential or the default that one must have a credit card to use an iPhone. This years at my heart for it violates multiple privacy principles. I was assured by the salesman at the official apple store that I could register my Apple device under any name and any address. It appears he is misinformed (or I am and I don't understand Apple).

I finally got my combination of Apple ID (why don't they just call it your email address because that's what it is) and password to work on this tiny device. The whole point of my doing this was so I could download the gmail app as using the regular one appears to not allow searches. And in order to download one has to enter one's Apple ID ( Microsoft doesn't require such, what the heck is going on here?

You get the opportunity to send terms and conditions, all 56 pages to one's email, but only ONE PAGE AT A TIME and there is no layman's 'what this really says' version,

Then they ask for credit card info in order to register to buy stuff on itunes,

. Double what the heck is going on here. I don't care if there is no charge, I don't sign up for porn sites (just give us your cc#) why should I for Apple. Why are they verifying identities? Who is Apple working folksy important - what is the workaround to maintain privacy and still use an iPhone? I am not outraged by the dividing nations up into discreet markets with their own rules, but I am very disturbed by the prospect of banks, gov'ts and computer companies working in lockstep. I don't march.

Sounds like you need to dump the iPad and get another pad device. Obviously Apple is not meant for you.

[tominbkk]

I just verified that I am not imagining some cyber spector. This is real.

After clicking on 'free' on the link found in google search for 'gmail app iPhone' and entering the obligatory Apple ID and password I get the following...

"This Apple ID. has not been used in the iTunes store. Tap review to sign in, then review your account information"

At this point I have two choices...

1. Cancel and get no app

2. Review and demand for credit card

Did you get charged for the Gmail app? If not, then it was free.

[tominbkk]

And why is iPhone spellchecker changing my words?

settings -> General -> Keyboard -> Enable Autocorrection : OFF

Google is your friend

[tominbkk]

You misunderstood. You thought you were buying a computing device from Apple. What you've actually paid for is a media sales channel.

Don't buy Apple mobile devices if you just want a device.

That's ridiculous. Things have always been super straight-forward for me with my Apple devices.