Every Shop My wife went to said you can't buy apps with itunes card-is this correct?

[LiveForever]

I hinted to my wife that a good present 'may' be an itunes card so I could buy apps for my iphone.

However EVERY store she went in today who sold itunes cards said they could not be used to purchase apps.

Is this correct?

There seems to be total confusion about this with retailers (JB Hifi, Dick Smith, KMart, target etc etc) . There is no mention on the itunes cards that they can be used for buying apps, just music.

If they can be used for apps then apple are probably loosing heaps of itunes cards sales which results in loss of app sales.

Please could someone clarify what the position is as I really don't know.

Yes, I know there is a similar thread but this obviously highlights a big error on apples parts in not communicating whether an itunes card can be used for purchasing apps. The other thread is asking what apps to buy not specifically asking about itunes cards.

This will be a common present for iphone owners but are retailers stopping sales inadvertently or are they correct?

[Tallest Skil]

Money is money is money. Any money in your iTunes account can be used for anything on the iTunes Store.

Retail stores other than Apple rarely know ANYTHING about anything that Apple sells.

[QuarterSwede]

I was under the impression That they could be used for anything on the iTunes Store.

[LiveForever]

Well apple is clearly at fault for not communicating that apps can be purchased with an itunes card.

After all the cards show the silhouette figure wearing an ipod and only mention music, not apps.

It's not really the retailers fault as they are acting in good faith and just "reading what is on the box"

We can't do the tut, these non apple fans hey how stupid sigh here.. Stores have 100's of products to sell so they must be given clear non ambiguous information.

Major major boo boo by apple here and they are probably loosing 1000's of potential sales. There is also that other thread so there seems to be wide spread confusion about this.

The itunes card should be re designed so it clearly mentions iphone and touch apps.

[TraceyS/FL]

I was under the impression That they could be used for anything on the iTunes Store.

Except gifts!

[Tallest Skil]

Well apple is clearly at fault for not communicating that apps can be purchased with an itunes card.

After all the cards show the silhouette figure wearing an ipod and only mention music, not apps.

It's not really the retailers fault as they are acting in good faith and just "reading what is on the box"

Major major boo boo by apple here and they are probably loosing 1000's of potential sales. There is also that other thread so there seems to be wide spread confusion about this.

The itunes card should be re designed so it clearly mentions iphone and touch apps.

Not really. iTunes is iTunes is iTunes. Anyone who is intelligent enough to know that apps can be purchased is intelligent enough to know that the money added to your account is not partitioned and is intelligent enough to know that any means of getting money into the store is good enough.

[kmk5397]

I have used many itunes gift cards towards the purchase of apps!

No issues at all! And I told my family as well, that if they don't know
what to get me, the itunes gift card is perfect!

[LiveForever]

Yes, i told my wife that I wanted an itunes card to buy apps.

She went to stores which sold them and said can I buy a card so my husband can buy apps for his iphone. They ALL said no this wasn't the case. They were trying to stop her wasting her money and thought they were acting in good faith.

We are avid apple devotees and know the ins and outs of the itunes store but sorry it's not reasonable to expect "normal people" who aren't obsessed with apple like us (well I admit I am) to know.

All I'm saying is apple has a problem in that it's loosing potential sales here. Nothing to do with intelligence. A store worker could be a 15 year old kid or a 45 year old mum. They won't all know because many won't use itunes. If it just says music then what should they believe?

apple should sort it out.

This is very un apple as they usually communicate their products and services brilliantly.

[ocva]

This has little to do with intelligence in the first place. It's simply a matter of common sense. It's not really Apple's fault. If anything, a store employee should just say "I don't know" if they don't know. Stating things as fact when you are knowingly uninformed is not what I'd call intelligent. Just my two cents on that matter. At any rate, I've used a few gift cards on apps and videos, and it works just fine.

[SlapMonkey]

Actually, technically speaking, those stores are right... if they are talking about downloading Apps vs. Music directly from your iPhone that is.

With the iTunes Music Store you can click on the "Redeem" button and enter your Gift Card number to download music, but for the App store, you cannot.

So, though you can do this all through iTunes on your computer, the instant the stores say "sure, it will work for apps" they will get tons of people complaining "Well I tried to use the gift card on my iPhone and it won't work for apps!" which is why they just say "only for Music, videos, etc... not apps."

[SnakeD77]

I have used an iTunes gift card to buy apps. The money in your iTunes account can be used for all the stuff that is sold on iTunes.

[SlapMonkey]

Actually, technically speaking, those stores are right... if they are talking about downloading Apps vs. Music directly from your iPhone that is.

With the iTunes Music Store you can click on the "Redeem" button and enter your Gift Card number to download music, but for the App store, you cannot.

So, though you can do this all through iTunes on your computer, the instant the stores say "sure, it will work for apps" they will get tons of people complaining "Well I tried to use the gift card on my iPhone and it won't work for apps!" which is why they just say "only for Music, videos, etc... not apps."

I have used an iTunes gift card to buy apps. The money in your iTunes account can be used for all the stuff that is sold on iTunes.

But again, as I've stated just above your post, you cannot use a gift card directly from the iPhone for apps (music only) which is why the stores are playing it safe and saying that the card does not work for apps.

[wwooden]

Have her just send you an iTunes email gift card.

[Bobioden]

But again, as I've stated just above your post, you cannot use a gift card directly from the iPhone for apps (music only) which is why the stores are playing it safe and saying that the card does not work for apps.

But once a card is activated in your account and you have a balance, you CAN purchase apps from your iPhone.

[ying yang]

Is there a chance she forgot or just doesn't want you playing with your phone all day? Do you have an addiction? I won't judge, I promise.

BTW, can you redeem codes over 3G? I tried a few weeks ago and nothing happened. The page just kept reloading.

[MacBoobsPro]

Its an 'iTunes' card. Not a 'music only from iTunes' card.

[SlapMonkey]

But once a card is activated in your account and you have a balance, you CAN purchase from your iPhone.

I personally have never used the iTunes Gift card, so unless they activate this in the store, or I am missing something, then you are missing my point:

If someone who doesn't know how all this works (the average person asking on these forums such as the OP) were to walk into a store and say "I want to buy an iTunes Gift Card so my husband can download apps" (Just as the OP stated) and that store were to say, "Sure, here you go" and then that husband, while on the road, opens up his pretty envelope for the first time, takes out his iTunes Gift Card and his iPhone and attempts to use it to buy an app, he would be *****-Out-of-Luck (unless, again, they activate this and load them directly to your account at these stores.)

Its an 'iTunes' card. Not a 'music only from iTunes' card.

I guess you didn't bother to actually read my posts... My whole point is, the stores are playing safe to say no it won't work because they KNOW that people will try to use it directly from their iPhone without activating it then come back to the stores and complain about it not working!

[ying yang]

Enter iTunes Wifi Store. Redeem the code. Exit. Open App Store. Purchase Fart apps with the money you just redeemed to your account.

[SlapMonkey]

Enter iTunes Wifi Store. Redeem the code. Exit. Open App Store. Purchase Fart apps with the money you just redeemed to your account.

Sorry but there is no way a store like Kmart is going to train some 16 year old part time employee to explain those steps (which are easy enough for use to read here) to the average person knowing that somewhere along the line they will get it wrong, so it's just easier for them to say "no, only works for Music."

Some of you just aren't using your Critical Thinking skills today are you... :rolleyes:

So to the OP, yes, there are various ways you can use the iTunes Music Gift card to download apps, yes, the stores told you no for a reason (not because they were being dumb, but to prevent the dumb people that will come back and complain.)

[ying yang]

Well they can leave the Fart app stage out then. That's not 100% required.

[SlapMonkey]

Well they can leave the Fart app stage out then. That's not 100% required.

ok, that made me smile. I was having a bad morning...

[MacBoobsPro]

I guess you didn't bother to actually read my posts... My whole point is, the stores are playing safe to say no it won't work because they KNOW that people will try to use it directly from their iPhone without activating it then come back to the stores and complain about it not working!

I did read them yes. My point is that its common sense that the iTunes Giftcard is for all things iTunes. So its not Apples fault that they haven't slapped 'NOW INCLUDES APP DOWNLOADS' on their cards.

By playing safe retailers are losing sales. ;)

[Rojo]

Enter iTunes Wifi Store. Redeem the code. Exit. Open App Store. Purchase Fart apps with the money you just redeemed to your account.

Some of you just aren't using your Critical Thinking skills today are you... :rolleyes:

And some of you just aren't able to put your egos aside... :rolleyes:

Why do you feel the need to insult someone who is simply explaining how to download apps from your phone using an iTunes gift card? That's actual useful information for some people on here. The person was neither agreeing OR disagreeing with your earlier statement -- simply pointing out a workaround. Sheesh.

Who cares what store employees know or don't know, or what's common sense and what isn't -- the other point the OP was making is still correct: Apple is NOT making it easy to know what the iTunes gift cards can and cannot work for. The solution is pretty simple, but falls on Apple to make the necessary changes. Like the OP said, they are probably losing money in the end. There are most-likely people who have tried to get cards for other people who buy a lot of apps, and were told they can't use them -- and so those people just bought something else....

[SlapMonkey]

I did read them yes. My point is that its common sense that the iTunes Giftcard is for all things iTunes. So its not Apples fault that they haven't slapped 'NOW INCLUDES APP DOWNLOADS' on their cards.

By playing safe retailers are losing sales. ;)

But yet again, you obviously haven't read or at least comprehended my posts... you say it's common sense that you can use the iTunes Gift card for all things iTunes and the stores are saying you can't, because, YOU CAN'T! When using it directly from your iPhone the way many people will try to. THAT was my only point... To explain why the stores are saying "no it won't work for apps" because, it won't for the way a lot of average people will try to use it, which is to purchase it, open up the app store on their iPhones, and then scratch their heads wondering where to put in the gift card code/number (you also can't gift apps to people the way you can with music, in case you didn't know.)

Again, it's not Apple's fault or the stores fault because YOU CAN'T use it for Apps directly from your iPhone via the App store by default. Only through the iTunes WiFi Music store or from iTunes on your computer. Geez, I don't know how many more times I have to explain it to get it into your thick skulls!

And some of you just aren't able to put your egos aside... :rolleyes:

Why do you feel the need to insult someone who is simply explaining how to download apps from your phone using an iTunes gift card? That's actual useful information for some people on here. The person was neither agreeing OR disagreeing with your earlier statement -- simply pointing out a workaround. Sheesh.

Who cares what store employees know or don't know, or what's common sense and what isn't -- the other point the OP was making is still correct: Apple is NOT making it easy to know what the iTunes gift cards can and cannot work for. The solution is pretty simple, but falls on Apple to make the necessary changes. Like the OP said, they are probably losing money in the end. There are most-likely people who have tried to get cards for other people who buy a lot of apps, and were told they can't use them -- and so those people just bought something else....

And if you read my response to MacBoobsPro above, you'll see exactly why I made that statement. It's not about ego, it's about people on these forums continually making assumptions and calling other (people, stores, employees, etc.) idiots while not actually comprehending the various possible reasons why they are being told something such as "the cards won't work for apps".

But I do apologize if I was being harsh, as I said, I was having a bad morning...

[MacBoobsPro]

I know exactly what you are saying and I don't see it as harsh, you are trying to get your point across but feel you are not. :)

My point is (and after this I will leave it alone :D ) is that it is possible to do what the stores say you can't. Because you can't do it directly on your phone doesnt mean you can't use gift cards to buy apps.

The fact that its called an iTunes Gift Card means that it encompasses all things iTunes (apps included) and so doesn't not need a new card to promote the fact that apps are now included.

Its like having a Blockbuster card. They don't advertise 'now includes video games' because its all part of Blockbuster.

[liptonlover]

That's the only way I've been buying apps, by buying gift cards and using the credit. So, yes. They can be used for apps.

Another thing stores don't seem to be clear on is, can an itunes card hold a different amount than what it says if you ask? One store says one thing, another says another. I haven't bothered trying because I don't really care that much, but I'm slightly interested.

[njchris]

But again, as I've stated just above your post, you cannot use a gift card directly from the iPhone for apps (music only) which is why the stores are playing it safe and saying that the card does not work for apps.
That's silly, IMHO - and a bad business practice. All they have to do is say, is the card must be activated and added through Itunes first if they want to use it for apps.

Not that hard. Instead of a flat out "no, it won't work".

It's a weak argument to say they are saying no, in order to not confuse your average idiot.

[Rojo]

Geez, I don't know how many more times I have to explain it to get it into your thick skulls!

But I do apologize if I was being harsh, as I said, I was having a bad morning...

Obviously, it's still bad... ;)

And while it seems some people are getting very sensitive over other people implying "fault" -- let's just throw ALL of that out the window now, shall we? As I said before...who really cares? Let's stop with both the blame AND defense, and get down to what Apple could still do to help the situation. (YES -- I know some people will say the current setup is fine, but it can always be better):


Apple could make it so cards can be redeemed in the phone's App Store too -- not just the Wi-Fi music store.
Apple could make their cards (from this point forward) not seem so music-centric with their graphics, and could also say somewhere that it applies to ALL things sold on iTunes.

There. That didn't hurt anyone, did it? ;) Now lets send feedback (http://www.apple.com/feedback/itunesapp.html) to Apple and see if they can make these changes.

Basically, people using common sense or not is not the point -- companies should be as clear as possible when they market their products and services, and not leave anything for possible confusion, which this clearly is.

[Niiro13]

IIRC, isn't the United States the only place where you can use iTunes cards to purchase applications?

[ccfoodog]

You *can* redeem a gift card directly from your iPod Touch or iPhone as of software 2.2, although slightly non-intuitive.

You have to start the iTunes application, then select "downloads", then there will be a "redeem" button on the top left.

Once you have redeemed your gift card, you should be able to purchase applications or music directly on your iPod Touch or iPhone.

You can purchase TV shows, videos and movies, but only from your computer, not from the iPod.

-john

[SlapMonkey]

You *can* redeem a gift card directly from your iPod Touch or iPhone as of software 2.2, although slightly non-intuitive.

You have to start the iTunes application, then select "downloads", then there will be a "redeem" button on the top left.

Once you have redeemed your gift card, you should be able to purchase applications or music directly on your iPod Touch or iPhone.

You can purchase TV shows, videos and movies, but only from your computer, not from the iPod.

-john

Ok, this is what gets me... someone already suggested that as an option and I've already agreed and addressed that. We know that already and that wasn't the point. I was only saying that there are many people (that I have actually witnessed even at the Apple stores) that would instead try to open up the App store application to enter the code, which won't allow them to do this and because they don't bother to use critical thinking skills and search for another way to put the code in (like you suggestion and like someone else already suggested and I addressed) they will go back to the store and complain. I know this because I've seen this, and if you think people are not that dumb, just look at how many times I've explained the same thing over and over and people STILL don't read or comprehend and wind up suggesting the exact same thing that someone else has already suggested! Everyone. missing. the point. I give up. :rolleyes:

Enter iTunes Wifi Store. Redeem the code. Exit. Open App Store. Purchase Fart apps with the money you just redeemed to your account.

Sorry but there is no way a store like Kmart is going to train some 16 year old part time employee to explain those steps (which are easy enough for use to read here) to the average person knowing that somewhere along the line they will get it wrong, so it's just easier for them to say "no, only works for Music."

Some of you just aren't using your Critical Thinking skills today are you... :rolleyes:

So to the OP, yes, there are various ways you can use the iTunes Music Gift card to download apps, yes, the stores told you no for a reason (not because they were being dumb, but to prevent the dumb people that will come back and complain.)

[Rojo]

Everyone. missing. the point. I give up. :rolleyes:

Waitaminute...there was a point to all this?? :D

[dccorona]

Well apple is clearly at fault for not communicating that apps can be purchased with an itunes card.

After all the cards show the silhouette figure wearing an ipod and only mention music, not apps.

It's not really the retailers fault as they are acting in good faith and just "reading what is on the box"

We can't do the tut, these non apple fans hey how stupid sigh here.. Stores have 100's of products to sell so they must be given clear non ambiguous information.

Major major boo boo by apple here and they are probably loosing 1000's of potential sales. There is also that other thread so there seems to be wide spread confusion about this.

The itunes card should be re designed so it clearly mentions iphone and touch apps.

it would cost Apple alot of money to change the apperance of the card to include apps
its just doesn't make business sense

[DreamPod]

I thought this was true, in Canada you cannot use money from gift cards to buy Apps, you can only use live credit cards.

[Digipimp]

hello dumb meet dumber

[LiveForever]

All this sneering at how dumb and un intilligent people are misses the point.

Apple has to communicate to retailers and the public at large, what itunes cards can be used for.

To most people tunes means music. Sorry if that is outrageous but most people associate apple with ipods and music, not yet apps.

We are all smug as we spend our lives obsessing about apples products.

But to most people they are another one of 100's of brands.

All apple have to do is add to the itunes cars " Purchase apps on the itunes music store whilst connected to your PC, then download them to your iphone"

They don't have to recall the existing cards just do this for all new ones printed. And it makes extremely good business sense...

There is though lots of confusion in this thread and if we are unsure how do you expect a KMart worker to be?

Also why can't apple make itunes cards redeemable vis athe app store on your iphone?

Total confusion and apple should sort it out.

[DreamPod]

All apple have to do is add to the itunes cars " Purchase apps on the itunes music store whilst connected to your PC, then download them to your iphone"

They don't have to recall the existing cards just do this for all new ones printed. And it makes extremely good business sense...

But then it wouldn't be accurate for Canada, which would cause more support calls and confusion, or cost more money to have different cards manufactured for each territory.

[needthephone]

These cards aren't iphones you know, they are just stamped out pieces of plastic with a serial number on. They are probably worth less than 0.01c each to make. Anyone can make them. You don't need a Foxconn production line in Schenzhen, they can be made locally on very basic equipment.

Of course they would be made to suit local markets. The UK ones would have UK numbers on, The Australian ones Aussie numbers and so on.

My local shopping centre has their own gift cards and this is all these are.

This company can make YOU some even
http://www.plastic-cards.com.au/quote.htm?gclid=CLGzwqKq2JcCFRIcawodSm3nDA

Apple need to stop the confusion and print that they can be used to buy apps. Simple.

[benlee]

All this sneering at how dumb and un intilligent people are misses the point.

Apple has to communicate to retailers and the public at large, what itunes cards can be used for.

To most people tunes means music. Sorry if that is outrageous but most people associate apple with ipods and music, not yet apps.

We are all smug as we spend our lives obsessing about apples products.

But to most people they are another one of 100's of brands.

All apple have to do is add to the itunes cars " Purchase apps on the itunes music store whilst connected to your PC, then download them to your iphone"

They don't have to recall the existing cards just do this for all new ones printed. And it makes extremely good business sense...

There is though lots of confusion in this thread and if we are unsure how do you expect a KMart worker to be?

Also why can't apple make itunes cards redeemable vis athe app store on your iphone?

Total confusion and apple should sort it out.

I think you are missing the point.

I'm sure apple makes the necessary information available to retailers and it is up to them to train their employees with appropriate knowledge.

Retail staff should not being passing along information they are not sure of. Besides, this may not be a broad problem. How many retail staffers could your wife have actually talked to? I find it would be a huge waste of time to go around asking the same question and getting the same answer and continue to go around asking. What was she doing a survey?

[ccfoodog]

Ok, this is what gets me... someone already suggested that as an option and I've already agreed and addressed that. We know that already and that wasn't the point.

Excuse me. I skimmed the thread and it didn't seem completely clear to me that everyone knew that (otherwise, I wouldn't have posted).

I was only saying that there are many people (that I have actually witnessed even at the Apple stores) that would instead try to open up the App store application to enter the code, which won't allow them to do this and because they don't bother to use critical thinking skills and search for another way to put the code in (like you suggestion and like someone else already suggested and I addressed)

Well, personally I don't think it is very obvious or intuitive and is easy to miss.

they will go back to the store and complain. I know this because I've seen this, and if you think people are not that dumb, just look at how many times I've explained the same thing over and over and people STILL don't read or comprehend and wind up suggesting the exact same thing that someone else has already suggested! Everyone. missing. the point. I give up. :rolleyes:

Shrug.

-john

[LiveForever]

My wife asked in the shops for a gift card which could be used to by iphone apps and they said sorry we don't do those.

Only the last shop Dick Smith did she ask about itunes cards and she was told they couldn't be used for apps. They said to go to an apple store at which point she gave up.

She does not take any interest in apple, just that I said I would like an itunes card to buy apps with. She then forgot I said itunes and just asked about buying apps.

My wife takes no interest at all in itunes or apple so could not remember exactly what I said.

No apple are missing a trick here and needlessly loosing potential sales as they don't say what can be brought with an itunes card on the card itself.

It nothing to do with training as retailers don't have the time or inclination to learn up about every single product. products must sell themselves by being clearly marked.

[Rayfire]

It nothing to do with training as retailers don't have the time or inclination to learn up about every single product. products must sell themselves by being clearly marked.

I have to disagree with this one since I work in a retail industry, and yes we are needed to be trained on every product that we sell, what it can or can't do. Probably some associates just never take initiative to learn what they're really selling, or management's fault? Who knows. Retailers also would like to sell mostly what they have, so it's not really Apple as well that is missing the sales.

With regards to your questions, yes it can be used. Can we just help you with determining which apps are better than the other rather than continuing to discuss about the iTunes gift card, after all we're at the App store thread ;)

[Mr. Giver '94]

No...all of those sales reps are full of **** and have no clue what they're talking about....:rolleyes:

Like someone else said... Money is Money... :)

[LiveForever]

I agree to go round and round in pointless.

BUT many people are defending the indefensible here.

You can't say the sales reps don't know what they are talking about when every shop my wife went to in a very large Westfield shopping centre in a Sydney suburb said they didn't sell a gift card which could be used to buy iphone apps (and they sold itunes cards). My wife didn't ask for an itunes card either. Yes some are stupid but there is clearly an issue here which apple should fix.

Apple are missing an opportunity and they should just print what can be brought with it on the itunes card.

Apple are brilliant I know but they have dropped the ball here and I will stick to this argument until the cows come home.

Enough said
Happy Christmas!!

[infowarfare]

I agree to go round and round in pointless.

BUT many people are defending the indefensible here.

You can't say the sales reps don't know what they are talking about when every shop my wife went to in a very large Westfield shopping centre in a Sydney suburb said they didn't sell a gift card which could be used to buy iphone apps (and they sold itunes cards). My wife didn't ask for an itunes card either. Yes some are stupid but there is clearly an issue here which apple should fix.

Apple are missing an opportunity and they should just print what can be brought with it on the itunes card.

Apple are brilliant I know but they have dropped the ball here and I will stick to this argument until the cows come home.

Enough said
Happy Christmas!!

I think the point you and the others are missing which someone else kept bringing up is that it isn't that easy to use the iTunes gift card to buy apps directly from the Appstore on your iPhone. And because of this one fact, it's simpler for Apple to tell the stores these cards can't be used for Apps.

So think for a moment, for Apple to try and get all of these different retailers to train all of their employees to explain how to "first, go to the iTunes WiFi store, click downloads then click Redeem, put in your gift card code, now exit out and go to the App store and buy your app and maybe it will use the gift card code (but maybe just deduct from your credit card on file instead as it has with some people who have tried this), or, login to iTunes on your computer, etc..." nope, sorry, much simpler to simply say "can't use to buy apps".

The opportunity Apple is actually missing is to allow the App store app to accept the Redeem code, then all is solved.

[alchemistmuffin]

I hinted to my wife that a good present 'may' be an itunes card so I could buy apps for my iphone.

However EVERY store she went in today who sold itunes cards said they could not be used to purchase apps.

Is this correct?

There seems to be total confusion about this with retailers (JB Hifi, Dick Smith, KMart, target etc etc) . There is no mention on the itunes cards that they can be used for buying apps, just music.

If they can be used for apps then apple are probably loosing heaps of itunes cards sales which results in loss of app sales.

Please could someone clarify what the position is as I really don't know.

Yes, I know there is a similar thread but this obviously highlights a big error on apples parts in not communicating whether an itunes card can be used for purchasing apps. The other thread is asking what apps to buy not specifically asking about itunes cards.

This will be a common present for iphone owners but are retailers stopping sales inadvertently or are they correct?

If you live in the US, you can buy apps with the iTunes card.

However, if you live in Canada, then no, you must use Credit Card in order to buy apps on the iTunes Store.

This is due to strict canadian tax regulation on how software is sold in Canada. (and I mean ANY! I tried redeeming my gift card for Roxio Easy Media Creator a while ago when I was visiting my friend in Canada, and he gave me a Canadian Best Buy gift card, but I couldn't redeem it for any software)

[Grease2310]

No...all of those sales reps are full of **** and have no clue what they're talking about....:rolleyes:

Like someone else said... Money is Money... :)

It's not that cut and dry! As mentioned many times in Canada you can NOT use the iTunes cards to purchase software, and this might be true in other countries as well. There IS a world outside the USA borders you know.

[LiveForever]

Welll I'm confused.

ALL apple has to do is print on the cards exactly what can be brought with it.

e.g. can be used to buy apps from your PC or mac running itunes for transfer to your iphone or ipod touch simple.

Then do this for countries where this is possible and for e.g. Canada say can not be used to purchase apps.

The cards can easily be tailored to suit each region and probably are made in the local markets already.


It really surprised me that the guys in Dick Smith didn't realise the itunes card could be used for apps as they are mostly your 18-30 year old tech savvy gadget junkees. So if they don't realise then apple has a problem with it's communication.

Don't say shops are dumb or money is money because most shops don't realise that an itunes card is legal tender to purchase apps. EVERY, not one or two, store selling itunes cards in a large westfield mall said the same thing.

Its a no brainer.

Apple has to go for the low hanging fruit sometimes.

I am not saying anything controversial here, I love apple but they are missing out here and I honestly don't think its deliberate.

Sometimes they think the whole world just must know what they are doing and what you can and can not do with itunes. After all they are the centre of the universe.

WRONG, I may think so (and a few others here no doubt) but to most people apple are JUST another company.

[PSmith]

It's ironic, apple produce the most amazing multi touch iphone which is just gorgeous.

But they mess up with something so basic as printing on the card just precisely what an itunes gift card can be used for.

My experience in shops selling itunes cards is the same-total ignorance and fervent belief that they are ONLY for purchasing music ( and I'm not blaming the store workers, I'm blaming apple).


Despite me thinking it's obvious that as apps are sold on itunes then I must be able to use a pre-paid itunes card- right?

Well apart from people on this forum and at apple no one else thinks it can be done.

money is only money if you can spend it. Otherwise it's a worthless piece of plastic or paper.

It's like in England where many people think Scottish Pounds aren't legal tender. They are worth the same as "English" pounds but many people don't know.

[mr.m21]

Ok, so i got my iPod touch (gen 2) today right? Got a 20$ iTunes card aswell, tried to Download some apps, No go, kept tiring to make me put my non existent credit card info in. But i could download songs just fine. (and yes i redeemed the card and such)

[NT1440]

All this sneering at how dumb and un intilligent people are misses the point.

Apple has to communicate to retailers and the public at large, what itunes cards can be used for.



Well anyone that has even the slightest clue knows that itunes cards work like this:

Get card, put the credit into your account, now heres the confusing part (not): THE MONEY ON YOUR ACCOUNT CAN BE USED FOR ANYTHING ON ITUNES.

Not exactly rocket science.

[SnowLeopard2008]

Yes you can. You can even buy the apps on the iPhone itself, and redeem the code without having to bust out your computer.

[mr.m21]

Well anyone that has even the slightest clue knows that itunes cards work like this:

Get card, put the credit into your account, now heres the confusing part (not): THE MONEY ON YOUR ACCOUNT CAN BE USED FOR ANYTHING ON ITUNES.

Not exactly rocket science.

Thats exactly what i did, and guess what? No apps. Now i thought i saw somewhere that Canadian iTunes users (like me) can only use there iTunes cards for music. Someone tell me they were wrong and it just isn't working.

[NT1440]

Thats exactly what i did, and guess what? No apps. Now i thought i saw somewhere that Canadian iTunes users (like me) can only use there iTunes cards for music. Someone tell me they were wrong and it just isn't working.

Oh wow, that is ridiculous, im assuming it has something to do with crazy pointless international laws dealing with copyrights and such.

[hexonxonx]

Well anyone that has even the slightest clue knows that itunes cards work like this:

Get card, put the credit into your account, now heres the confusing part (not): THE MONEY ON YOUR ACCOUNT CAN BE USED FOR ANYTHING ON ITUNES.

Not exactly rocket science.

True. Apple just has the thing where they have different versions of the card. One is an iTunes music card which was pink, and the other is an iTunes gift card. Even though one says it's a music card, they can all be used to buy anything on the iTunes store, apps, music and videos.

[mr.m21]

Oh wow, that is ridiculous, im assuming it has something to do with crazy pointless international laws dealing with copyrights and such.

Now thats just stupid, so other than getting credit cards how do us canucks get paid apps?

True. Apple just has the thing where they have different versions of the card. One is an iTunes music card which was pink, and the other is an iTunes gift card. Even though one says it's a music card, they can all be used to buy anything on the iTunes store, apps, music and videos.

Again, this is just plain stupid. Why not just have one simple iTunes gift card?

[NT1440]

To be clear, you have redeemed to gift card value in the itunes store onto your account, and you cannot buy apps with it??

[mr.m21]

To be clear, you have redeemed to gift card value in the itunes store onto your account, and you cannot buy apps with it??

That is correct, I have bought a song and it worked flawlessly, I clicked the song and it deducted $0.99 from my credit and it downloaded. If i click on an app then it directs me to the billing info where i have to put in my credit card info. I would, but i don't have a credit card, and would rather not get one.

[PatrickRS]

I have used an iTunes gift card to buy apps. The money in your iTunes account can be used for all the stuff that is sold on iTunes.

Any Canadians reading this thread should note that the Canadian iTunes store does NOT allow you to purchase apps via iTunes funds derived from a gift card.

[mr.m21]

Any Canadians reading this thread should note that the Canadian iTunes store does NOT allow you to purchase apps via iTunes funds derived from a gift card.

Dang,,,, Well thanks for clearing that up..... Stupid apple.....

[polarbreeze]

The gift card thing is just part of a more general issue, which is that Apple hasn't really integrated apps delivery very well yet with the iTunes concept. No doubt they'll refine it in time so let's have patience with them. It's very smart of them to use the iTunes transaction mechanism to sell materials other than music but for the uninitiated it's rather confusing, starting with the name - I mean, you'd expect something called iTunes to be selling, well, just tunes, wouldn't you?!

There are several oddities with apps - for example, if you try to buy an app in the iTunes App Store by just clicking "buy" it gives an error message "Applications cannot be purchased with the Shopping Basket - select "Buy" if you would like to purchase by one-click". This is complete gobbledegook for a new user who just ambled in for the first time to buy an app for his new iPhone and never had anything to do with iTunes before.

Another oddity is that if you're in the iTunes App Store and you do a search, you get a list not just of apps but also of music tracks and movies and things. The app entries quote parameters like "artist" and "album" which is just the wrong terminology for an app and is, again, confusing for the average user. Poor user interface design.

Geeks may think such user-interface niceties are trivial non-issues but that's just because they're, well, geeks :)

[TraceyS/FL]

There are several oddities with apps - for example, if you try to buy an app in the iTunes App Store by just clicking "buy" it gives an error message "Applications cannot be purchased with the Shopping Basket - select "Buy" if you would like to purchase by one-click". This is complete gobbledegook for a new user who just ambled in for the first time to buy an app for his new iPhone and never had anything to do with iTunes before.

THis actually irks me because i don't have a device yet, but there are some apps i'd like to "save" to buy when i get it. I'd find it much easier to leave them in my shopping cart - or put them on a "want to buy" playlist....

My guess is that the App Store thru iTunes is intended to be the 2nd choice for buying apps - a shopping cart makes for less impulsive "buy it" decisions. Heck, i accidently bought a click wheel game yesterday because i was tired and clicked buy now in the cart missing the X to remove it. UGH.

I was going to buy it at some point - but my iPod has a broken button and i can't play it and i was still holding out hope that Santa was bringing me one.... so why buy it before i found out?

[AngryApple]

I went to Walmart and the cashire said that songs cost $2.99. LOL! She and I got into an arguement about it. She kept saying that she is an experienced Apple user. Proved her wrong by showing her the prices from the iTunes store on my iPod. "Oh." she replied.

So unless you go to an Apple store the employees usually don't know what they are talking about. Plenty of people here have answered your question.

[Zincous]

I bought an iphone the other day for my mom (3rd iphone in the family) So I know what I'm doing. The lady at apple selling me the phone didn't even know you could buy an iphone on the internet from AT&T. Pissed me off how stupid she was.

[Grease2310]

Any Canadians reading this thread should note that the Canadian iTunes store does NOT allow you to purchase apps via iTunes funds derived from a gift card.

As was mentioned MANY MANY MANY times before, including my own post only about 2 or 3 back from the poster who complained it wasn't working for him but then you get people who say stuff like:

Well anyone that has even the slightest clue knows that itunes cards work like this:

Get card, put the credit into your account, now heres the confusing part (not): THE MONEY ON YOUR ACCOUNT CAN BE USED FOR ANYTHING ON ITUNES.

Not exactly rocket science.

And you start confusing people. Like I said before there are countries outside the borders of the good ol' US of A. The Canadian iTunes store does not allow for it due to taxation laws regarding software within that country. I am not entirely certain but there are possibly other countries where iTunes cards can not be used for App purchases as well. Personally I just wish people who stop trying to make everyone around them feel stupid by saying "dur, money is money, dur" when they're the one who's poorly educated on the subject. Apple needs to (as mentioned before) silk screen the back of their cards, REGION BY REGION, with what can and can not be bought with them.

[LiveForever]

And you start confusing people. Like I said before there are countries outside the borders of the good ol' US of A. The Canadian iTunes store does not allow for it due to taxation laws regarding software within that country. I am not entirely certain but there are possibly other countries where iTunes cards can not be used for App purchases as well. Personally I just wish people who stop trying to make everyone around them feel stupid by saying "dur, money is money, dur" when they're the one who's poorly educated on the subject. Apple needs to (as mentioned before) silk screen the back of their cards, REGION BY REGION, with what can and can not be bought with them.

Exactly, I totally agree (although I don't think they use silk screen printing but I get your point)

This superior, aren't those plebs stupid attitude really gets me. apple need to communicate more effectively what can be brought with an itunes card region by region. So to the clever people who said its obvious you can buy apps with an itunes card, you were wrong about Canada and I suspect many other countries we do not know about.

Besides, my wife is the smartest person I know. Just she chooses not to become obsessed with the minutia of how apple sets up its retail operations. And that is the point. It should be obvious to anyone from the 16yr old computer wizz to a 70 year old woman buying a present for their grand son.

Presently every retailer of itunes gift cards in this particular Westfield mall in suburban Sydney has no idea apps can be purchased with it. Now tell me who's dumb. Apple or ALL the retailers?

This arrogant attitude almost brought apple down before.

apple have an issue here and need to something extremely simple (like printing on the card) to fix it.

[bamac]

Exactly, I totally agree (although I don't think they use silk screen printing but I get your point)

This superior, aren't those plebs stupid attitude really gets me. apple need to communicate more effectively what can be brought with an itunes card region by region. So to the clever people who said its obvious you can buy apps with an itunes card, you were wrong about Canada and I suspect many other countries we do not know about.

Besides, my wife is the smartest person I know. Just she chooses not to become obsessed with the minutia of how apple sets up its retail operations. And that is the point. It should be obvious to anyone from the 16yr old computer wizz to a 70 year old woman buying a present for their grand son.

Presently every retailer of itunes gift cards in this particular Westfield mall in suburban Sydney has no idea apps can be purchased with it. Now tell me who's dumb. Apple or ALL the retailers?

This arrogant attitude almost brought apple down before.

apple have an issue here and need to something extremely simple (like printing on the card) to fix it.

http://www.apple.com/legal/itunes/ww/ - this page has a break down of all the terms of every itunes store world wide


http://www.apple.com/legal/itunes/appstore/ca/terms.html - this page lists the methods of payment accepted on the App store for Canada which does not include itunes store gift cards.