Apple requires credit card to use device NOT impressed

[hermespan]

Tom in Bangkok wrote:

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

I never got that far.

[mooris7]

The option to register a new apple ID with no credit card by selecting the none option is only available when creating an Apple ID or changing the payment information of an apple ID on your PC or MAC using iTunes. So your answer is to use your PC and iTunes to do it!

[qdinthailand]

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.

You want privacy? and you're buying a cell phone? You need to read up on cell phones.

Many, many websites us an email address as a user ID - nothing unique about Apple. It's one way internet sites can verify you actually freaking exist - i.e. you have a valid email address, that you had to probably 'verify' via email link back to Apple.

And you wonder why they require a credit card "in order to register to buy stuff on iTunes"? How else would you buy stuff via the internet? Your good looks?

Wow, you finally caught on to the incestuous life of bankers, global corporations and governments working together? And you're shocked!?

C'mon, you must be that guy that fell asleep for a hundred years and just woke up? What was his name?

Edited August 3, 2013 by qdinthailand

[qdinthailand]

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

ummm....other than a 'gun seller', what major internet retailer would in fact fit your definition of Libertarian?

[Mike45]

Tom in Bangkok wrote:

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

I never got that far.

Using your computer go and download the itunes program and install. When setting it up use your new apple Id. You can then choose to select "none" as a payment option.

Because both devices are linked to your apple id your apple devices will accept your new choice.

Good luck! I originally found it very confusing but now realize how easy and integrated the system really is.

[qdinthailand]

So, per your thread title

"Apple requires credit card to use device NOT impressed"

Wrong, you can use the phone all you want without a credit card. However, if you want "Free Apps" from the Apple Store, Apple wants something in return.

Sounds fair to me.

[VBF]

So, per your thread title

"Apple requires credit card to use device NOT impressed"

Wrong, you can use the phone all you want without a credit card. However, if you want "Free Apps" from the Apple Store, Apple wants something in return.

Sounds fair to me.

Sounds fair to you? How ridiculous is that? They've HAD something - the price of the device - That's all they're entitled to! Free apps are....FREE so there is no reason for them needing any personal information other than your email address.

Honestly - go with Android - I've got a Google Nexus 7, and the only time I paid for apps was when there were some that I chose to pay for because I particularly wanted those apps - and no I haven't rooted my device - I just use the Play Store as intended and 99% of the time find a free app to do what I need - usually a choice of several..

[CBR250]

I agree with Android lovers. I have been an Apple user since 1992, and still have an iPhone and a MacBook. But Apple of today have become Microsoft of old. They want to control not only what I do with MY machines, but how I interact with the wider world. They limit my choices. So, despite being an old time Apple proselytizer I now suggest to my family and friends DO NOT buy Apple (or Microsoft of course), and watch Android carefully as well, although right now they get a "Pass" mark. But really they are all spying b**#|*#*^s who try to manipulate your connections to the world, although Apple has become the worst and Android - just maybe - hasn't caught up yet. I hope they (Android) never do, but I won't bet on them staying the good guys given the track record of all the others.

95% of what I do is 100% legal.

[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.

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

Apple is like Thailand. As long as you keep paying, no problem.

[qdinthailand]

So, per your thread title

"Apple requires credit card to use device NOT impressed"

Wrong, you can use the phone all you want without a credit card. However, if you want "Free Apps" from the Apple Store, Apple wants something in return.

Sounds fair to me.

Sounds fair to you? How ridiculous is that? They've HAD something - the price of the device - That's all they're entitled to! Free apps are....FREE so there is no reason for them needing any personal information other than your email address.

Honestly - go with Android - I've got a Google Nexus 7, and the only time I paid for apps was when there were some that I chose to pay for because I particularly wanted those apps - and no I haven't rooted my device - I just use the Play Store as intended and 99% of the time find a free app to do what I need - usually a choice of several..

And he can use his phone - for the price he paid - all he wants.

Free Apps are created by companies (large and small) and individual developers. They're doing it to make money! It's the capitalist way. They (developers) want data on downloads, on the users who download their apps, and in return, want to try to sell them on other apps, enhanced features, etc. They also want feedback on their products, in order to improve them.

For you to feel no one in the process of you acquiring and using those freebies isn't in any way entitled to collect data is naive.

Don't want that tracking? Don't buy a cellphone, don't use it, don't download apps. Otherwise, its part of your purchase/usage agreement.

[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.

Apple is like Thailand. As long as you keep paying, no problem.

I've bought very few apps, except some really good ones that developers spent tons on creating. Your post makes nonsense, sorry!

[hermespan]

On Apple's official page someone asks how to download free apps/register with iTunes without a credit card. No doubt some customers don't object for reasons of principle but because they simply don't *have* or want a credit card.

Anyway, the link takes one to a page that doesn't at all solve the problem. All one can do, it appears, is register one's credit card info, then delete it. So the motivation by Apple is not directly financial (finders fees or however Apple earns money from 'allowing' app developers to be on 'their' Devices - funny, I thought the devices belonged to those who purchased them, apparently not. It would seem one has to buy into a grand marketing plan. When I buy a bowl of soup at a restaurant I do not expect to be forced into an MLM for vitamins) my guess is that someone with lots of guns and money has forced Apple to track it's customers. Perhaps it is indirectly ginancial - Apple wants to be in the good graces of the US and Chinese gov'ts etc rather than with the Electronic Freedom Foundation.

[hermespan]

Ado thailand wrote

" its part of your purchase/usage agreement."

Who reads 56 pages in legalese? They are not exactly putting up a billboard that reads 'tell us your credit into so we can monetize your online life and we will sell you a fancy phone got $1300."

I agree with another poster that all of the big boys are in this together to varying degrees.

Maybe Linnex is the answer.

[hermespan]

mooris7 wrote...

"The option to register a new apple ID with no credit card by selecting the none option is only available when creating an Apple ID or changing the payment information of an apple ID on your PC or MAC using iTunes. So your answer is to use your PC and iTunes to do it!"

So, if I go to a net cafe, I can go to the itunes website and register at itunes and the 'none' option will appear when it asks me for credit card info?

[bubba]

I second tominbkk's suggestion:

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

[VBF]

So, per your thread title

"Apple requires credit card to use device NOT impressed"

Wrong, you can use the phone all you want without a credit card. However, if you want "Free Apps" from the Apple Store, Apple wants something in return.

Sounds fair to me.

Sounds fair to you? How ridiculous is that? They've HAD something - the price of the device - That's all they're entitled to! Free apps are....FREE so there is no reason for them needing any personal information other than your email address.

Honestly - go with Android - I've got a Google Nexus 7, and the only time I paid for apps was when there were some that I chose to pay for because I particularly wanted those apps - and no I haven't rooted my device - I just use the Play Store as intended and 99% of the time find a free app to do what I need - usually a choice of several..

And he can use his phone - for the price he paid - all he wants.

Free Apps are created by companies (large and small) and individual developers. They're doing it to make money! It's the capitalist way. They (developers) want data on downloads, on the users who download their apps, and in return, want to try to sell them on other apps, enhanced features, etc. They also want feedback on their products, in order to improve them.

For you to feel no one in the process of you acquiring and using those freebies isn't in any way entitled to collect data is naive.

Don't want that tracking? Don't buy a cellphone, don't use it, don't download apps. Otherwise, its part of your purchase/usage agreement.

I wasn't talking about collecting data and/or tracking - that's another issue. I was talking about whether Free should mean Free - and it should! If developers want to charge for their time and effort and expertise then they have the absolute right to do so - I work in software development so obviously I want to make money! It's simple - if Apple, or Google or anyone announces an app is free, then free it should be! If they announce it's paid for, with a price given, that's also acceptable.

But, on the issues of collecting data and/or tracking, when you download an Android app from the Play Store, there is a prominently displayed info box that tells you which part of your device is going to be affected and therefore whether your data is being examined - if you don't like it, avoid that app - simples!

[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.

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

Apple is like Thailand. As long as you keep paying, no problem.

I've bought very few apps, except some really good ones that developers spent tons on creating. Your post makes nonsense, sorry!

I've been an Apple customer for 10 years. My current MacBook Pro is going to be my last one. Every time something goes wrong with it - in many cases when it's been a design or manufacturing error on their part - the solution seems to be to give money to Apple to make it go away. Sometimes quoting the Sale of Goods Act (UK) at them helps, but often you're just stuck with a very expensive repair. My last but one MBP contained a wireless card that was unable to connect to most public wifi hotspots. My current one is just over a year old and is suffering from yellowing of the display. As I use it heavily for photo editing, this is obviously a problem. I spoke to one of the 'Geniuses' in the Apple Store about the wifi and they were unable to comprehend the problem, unable to grasp simple concepts such as 'mixed-mode wireless' and 802.11 n.

The new MacBook Pros are sealed units, with soldered memory chips, almost completely resistant to user upgrade. That's me out.

Edited August 5, 2013 by RogueLeader

[wolf5370]

So, per your thread title

"Apple requires credit card to use device NOT impressed"

Wrong, you can use the phone all you want without a credit card. However, if you want "Free Apps" from the Apple Store, Apple wants something in return.

Sounds fair to me.

Sounds fair to you? How ridiculous is that? They've HAD something - the price of the device - That's all they're entitled to! Free apps are....FREE so there is no reason for them needing any personal information other than your email address.

Honestly - go with Android - I've got a Google Nexus 7, and the only time I paid for apps was when there were some that I chose to pay for because I particularly wanted those apps - and no I haven't rooted my device - I just use the Play Store as intended and 99% of the time find a free app to do what I need - usually a choice of several..

And he can use his phone - for the price he paid - all he wants.

Free Apps are created by companies (large and small) and individual developers. They're doing it to make money! It's the capitalist way. They (developers) want data on downloads, on the users who download their apps, and in return, want to try to sell them on other apps, enhanced features, etc. They also want feedback on their products, in order to improve them.

For you to feel no one in the process of you acquiring and using those freebies isn't in any way entitled to collect data is naive.

Don't want that tracking? Don't buy a cellphone, don't use it, don't download apps. Otherwise, its part of your purchase/usage agreement.

Developers do not need your email for this - they can code into the game to allow adverts, alerts, feedback on usage, etc - that way if you delete the game they can't send the stuff ad infinitum.

"For you to feel no one in the process of you acquiring and using those freebies isn't in any way entitled to collect data is naïve." This is a dangerous thought process - it is very wrong - "For you to feel no one in the process of you acquiring and using those freebies isn't in any way entitled to collect collecting data is naïve." is accurate, but under many laws they are not entitles to it unless permission is given. If I give you a free wifi in my café - does this give me the right to read your emails?

[wolf5370]

I've been an Apple customer for 10 years. My current MacBook Pro is going to be my last one. Every time something goes wrong with it - in many cases when it's been a design or manufacturing error on their part - the solution seems to be to give money to Apple to make it go away. Sometimes quoting the Sale of Goods Act (UK) at them helps, but often you're just stuck with a very expensive repair. My last but one MBP contained a wireless card that was unable to connect to most public wifi hotspots. My current one is just over a year old and is suffering from yellowing of the display. As I use it heavily for photo editing, this is obviously a problem. I spoke to one of the 'Geniuses' in the Apple Store about the wifi and they were unable to comprehend the problem, unable to grasp simple concepts such as 'mixed-mode wireless' and 802.11 n.

The new MacBook Pros are sealed units, with soldered memory chips, almost completely resistant to user upgrade. That's me out.

Yeah, next step will probably be ROM based OS (just like in the 80s) - need OSXX Drizzle Moggy, and you need a new box.

[watcharacters]

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.

.

I'm sorry to hear about your frustration with Apple and iTunes

hermespan

I understand how annoying that can be.

I just now logged into my iTunes account and will verify 100% that the information given above with the "none" option appears on my account just as it does above.

I think what's happening is you're seeing the sign up page for the iPhone and that's different than it is for a laptop which I use. Possibly if you tried to sign up for an iTunes account using a PC or Mac it would be more successful.

I agree fully with your privacy concerns and sadly refer back to what Larry Elison from Oracle said a couple of decades ago. We lost privacy a long long time ago.

Good luck.

[David Barker]

Sign up to apple and the next time you fart the CIA will know all about before the smell clears

[hermespan]

I expect sellers of digital , financial and ALL. services to respect my privacy. Whatever the product or service , Whether I am paying for shoes, a bank account, a blowjob, of software I expect to be in control or at least on equal terms as the seller. Imagine this...

You go to buy s pair of shoes, and the conversation goes like this...

I'd like to buy a pair of shoes

Got some ID ?

Huh ?

Shoes can be used to commit crimes. We can't have that. Just today a man robbed a bank. He was wearing shoes. What do you intend pn doing with these shoes? Have you ever worn a pair of shoes before and where did you buy them?

You tell him to go to hell and you buy your shoes.

Ads start showing up on your heels. Your shoes start talking to you 'Isn't it time you. polished me? Your roommate wears your pair of shoes and you go to jail for that. Zone day your shoes stop letting you walk. Company rules have changed. You can walk a maximum of 10 kilometers a day

[hermespan]

And, you can't lend your brother your pair of shoes. your license limits who can wear 'your' shoes. Oh, and you can't wear your shoes in some places - it's forbidden by the manufacturer

[hermespan]

St. John M wrote... "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."

You are traceable. Unless one is requesting credit at a bank or applying to ge a babysitter where one sleeps or banks is none of anyone's business unless of course payment not in cash is required. 'Free apps' is therefore deceitful.

[muratremix]

I've set up and used several iTunes accounts without credit card. Either you don't know what you are doing or you are bashing Apple for personal reasons.

If you would like, someone can set up you a new gmail and new itunes (without credit card) account for free. All with fake info of course.

[hermespan]

Thanks you for your generous offer. I am online right now at a net cafe trying yo do this. Oc course I don'g know what I am doing.

first FInally I found a page called appleID. My appleID and password didn't work so I requested something ghat was supposed to send me a verification. Fifteen minutes later ig hasn't arrived. Upon buying device in Canada I broke my security protocol and gave my real email address as well as created an icloud address. I gave Canada as my country though K owe my allegiance to any one nation state and live overseas constantly travelling. I don't see see why I should betided down to any one nation to do business. I bank, live, love and explore all over. I resent even having a passport.

Anyway, to the technical matter at hand...

Unless Apple is really anal and they make a big deal out of caps or not (gmail doesn't) they got my email to verify bug nothing showed up. Not even in spam box. OK, I give up I will try doing it again with no cap - that worked. Geeez I get taken to a page of secret words or email verification

it arrives and I click. xhoose new password

[hermespan]

no good, used in pAst year. yeah probably me. <deleted>? choose another yeah that worked, Only 30 minutes of my life wasted so far

OK, so I want to use my icloud address. as my email contact instead. <deleted> not allowed "Apple ID must... not use a domain owned by Apple" More delays like registering an rnail address having to be verified bh a mobile phone SMS. What happened to the wild west of the internet

OK, next step I don't like my digital life connected to the state of the passport which I bear but Apple has its system set up onto separate jurisdictions, only where Apple operates, for example no Cuba or North Korea.

I click on other Asia Then I sign out and go to rhe itunes store to get a free app. I search and nothing shows up.

I have a life TO BE CONTINUED.

[hermespan]

no good, used in pAst year. yeah probably me. <deleted>? choose another yeah that worked, Only 30 minutes of my life wasted so far

OK, so I want to use my icloud address. as my email contact instead. <deleted> not allowed "Apple ID must... not use a domain owned by Apple" More delays like registering an rnail address having to be verified bh a mobile phone SMS. What happened to the wild west of the internet

OK, next step I don't like my digital life connected to the state of the passport which I bear but Apple has its system set up onto separate jurisdictions, only where Apple operates, for example no Cuba or North Korea.

I click on other Asia Then I sign out and go to rhe itunes store to get a free app. I search and nothing shows up.

I have a life TO BE CONTINUED.

[hermespan]

Well, now I have a working AppleID but I have not yet succeeded in adding billing information to be 'none' (no credit card) because every nation site of Apple I go to, none of them have that option. I am at an internet cafe as suggested by someone (he suggested not using an Apple device).

The Indonesia site of Apple Apps has several nation options in its dropdown menu, viz. Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, USA, and Thailand) All list only MC and VISA.. One can change the nation at this page...

http://store.apple.com/id/browse/open/country_selector

This is strange because earlier today...

http://www.apple.com/choose-your-country/

It gives the option of 'Asia, other' but apple page above does not but lists specific countries only

OK, to move on...

It is not obvious in the octopus of Apple sites where to go to take the next step. I try opening various Apple sites but none take me to an Apple store. It appears that it is necessary to Download A SOFTWARe to be able to peruse apps. Weird. OK, I download itunes one apparanetly can't do it on the web. The compuiter keeps asking me questions like every move is being logged and analyzed. Wants to know my email addreess (bugger off) and which nation I am in (bugger off - I put something else). I install it on this anonymous net cafe compute.

To be continued

[hermespan]

OK, that was painless, although I don't see why I should have to install software just to change my billing information. Computer keeps asking me questions - do i want to share this and that. NO! The software I was looking for shows up in a search whereas it didn't on 'free apps store'.

But now I am in a quandry - how to I get the app into my iphone? Ah yes, I am not here to do that, I am here to go from zero billing info given to the option of none as an alternative to VISA and Mastercard, and presumably other cards used here and there such as Union Pay and Discovery and that Japanese card.

Somewhere along the way I chose a nation I spend some time in that is not where I bank or work. The default in the case there is no store is USA not the closest nation with an Apple store nor those with trade links.

Store (top left) -> account-> change default shipping or billing info

What do I get? Just two more card options (Discovery and AMEX). No 'none'.

Hmm, I read somewhere on this forum that going to a computer that is not apple, downloading itunes and going to the app site I would be able to register without a credit card. Nope.