iWork, iPhoto, and iMovie are now free if you qualify [Merged]

[TrenttonY]

I bought my iPhone 5 September 5 and no free apps I even searched for them but just 5 minutes ago I searched them again and they showed free, I am now downloading them.

 

[ELSELS]

 

[Dented]

Nope, did not work for me

When did you activate your phone?

Ah - now I feel bad - I did actually have my phone replaced for a fault a couple of weeks ago, so I suppose this particular device was "activated" after the September 1st deadline (I didn't realise that was a thing until I read a few other posts here).

Isn't that a bit crazy though - I randomly get some free apps because my phone, purchased in July, happened to get replaced just before IOS7 launched and not a week or two earlier?

I really don't understand the strategy here - I'd assumed they were just going to a free model, for iWork in particular, to build up usage and acceptance - especially now the web version of these apps is out, making them essentially cross platform for the first time. If they're only being offered as a sweetener for new phone sales, why isn't more of a thing being made of that in all the marketing etc so they actually have a promotional benefit - and why not just limit it to 5C/5S rather than letting bozos like me get it?

Also, why promote IOS 7 launch devices with a suite of apps which now look like they're from the ark, since they're dripping with skeuomorphism and ye olde IOS design? Why not just update them and make the updated versions free?

 

[LukeHarrison]

Has anybody tried DFU restoring their phone and setting it up as new to see if they can get the apps for free that way?

 

[GolfBravo]

OK, got a free iWork yesterday on 2 iPhones and 1 iPad - it appears that it doesn't matter when you buy the device, it must be activated (with iOS7) after 1st of September.

Got an iPad 3 in 2012, and 2x iPhone 5 on 25th of September 2012. Updated my iPhone 5 to iOS7 on the 18th of September and also had my wife's 5 replaced by Apple on the 16th (2 days before iOS7 launch). As soon as updated my wife's newly replaced iPhone 5 to iOS7 a free iWork appeared available on my iPhone and iPad (we're using the same iTines account).

V. happy. Already had iMovie and iPhoto.

 

[Annngel]

Are refurbished products eligible for free iwork apps?

 

[rtomyj]

Has anybody tried DFU restoring their phone and setting it up as new to see if they can get the apps for free that way?

Got a replacement phone becausey old one busted. Got the apps for free #.. Most I already bought, but meh free apps! And free iPhone swap! #

 

[Dented]

Yeah, I'm now feeling very lucky that I had to get my phone swapped in September for a dead screen pixel (and I say had to, i dare say some wouldn't have noticed it). I now have free iWork, and iLife, including the new GarageBand, and all updated nicely for IOS 7, despite actually buying my phone many months ago..