Apple Rolls Out Customizable Digital iTunes Gift Cards Via Facebook

[MacRumors]

TechCrunch reports that Apple has rolled out a new feature through its iTunes Facebook page allowing users to create customizable digital gift cards. The feature, which is currently limited to U.S. iTunes Store customers, allows gift givers to choose from six digital gift card designs and iTunes credits ranging from $5 to $50. Gift givers can then enter a gift message and specify a delivery date for their recipient to receive their gift card electronically.

This appears to be one of the only ways to purchase a digital iTunes giftcard -- the Apple site itself only offers physical versions, and sites like Gifts.com and Giftcards.com don't have them either. Aside from this Facebook app, the only place we're seeing the option is from within the iTunes desktop app itself.

The report notes that the Facebook application's interface was designed by GroupCard, while the back-end is driven by Blackhawk Network, which has a long-standing relationship with Apple and is a prominent player in the gift card processing industry.

Article Link: Apple Rolls Out Customizable Digital iTunes Gift Cards Via Facebook

 

[newwavedave]

What a fantastic idea and an easy way to give gifts to friends in other states who you might not see very often. I don't pay a whole lot of attention to these things. Are other companies doing virtual gift cards in fb too? Otherwise, just another example of Apple leading the way in a constantly growing industry.

 

[baleensavage]

I saw this yesterday on Facebook. Looks interesting, but there is no info about how payments are handled and whatnot that I could see. It would be nice if they had a support page that was easy to find.

 

[DipDog3]

Looks like more junk on Facebook.

I'm sure I would never use them, but maybe someone else would.

 

[Vmaatta]

Facebook and Credit Card do not mix..

 

[TraceyS/FL]

Is this the only way you can send $5 gifts???

 

[aristobrat]

Facebook and Credit Card do not mix..

You can also access the feature inside of the iTunes program.

 

[rockstarjoe]

I wonder how long before you can buy credits cheap from eBay credit card scammers...

 

[nagromme]

Great... now can I please... finally... send apps as gifts, the way you’ve long been able to do with songs?

A $5 digital card plus an app link is a start, but it’s really not the same. I want to pay $2 (say) to give a $2 app and not have the process require any extra redeeming actions on the recipient’s end.

 

[canadan]

When are they gonna wake up and let us send iTunes gift certificates for overseas friends. If they have an iTunes store in their country, why can't I buy an online gift certificate for a certain amount in their currency and pay via credit card? I'd have a lot of christmas gifts done, arrghh

 

[Bye Bye Baby]

When are they gonna wake up and let us send iTunes gift certificates for overseas friends. If they have an iTunes store in their country, why can't I buy an online gift certificate for a certain amount in their currency and pay via credit card? I'd have a lot of christmas gifts done, arrghh

Me too! Nieces and nephews in three different countries and no way to send them some iTunes gift cards.

All this so Apple can maintain higher prices and content restrictions. Not really the user experience that Apple brags about.

 

[Frisco]

I want to send a physical Customizable gift card and no interest on opening a shitbook account.

 

[MacOSXGamer123]

this is why apple beats microsoft... apple know's where to look to get customers... Bill gates wouldn't stoop down to the 'commoners' facebook where as big steve gets his feet right in