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Apple Now Selling iBooks Gift Cards


iLounge noted yesterday that Apple has begun selling gift cards specifically for its iBookstore, offering convenient $25 and $50 options for gift givers. While existing iTunes Store gift cards can reportedly be used in the iBookstore, the new iBooks-specific cards offer a new option for those looking to focus their gifts on books as opposed to other iTunes Store content.

Based on an Apple Support Discussions thread from earlier in the year, it appears as though users were able to purchase standard iTunes Gift Cards for use in the iBookstore; the new cards remove any ambiguity customers may have had about whether or not an iTunes GC would be usable in the iBookstore, and will likely be popular add-ons to those purchasing iPads as a gift.

The report notes that the new gift cards are available in Apple's retail stores, but we have also seen them in our local Target store.

Update: To clarify since there has been a bit of confusion in our forums, the new iBooks gift cards are the same as the existing iTunes Store gift cards, allowing users to purchase any iTunes Store, App Store, or iBookstore content they desire. But the new option allows gift givers to place an emphasis on giving the gift of books rather than just offering the recipient a iTunes Store gift card. Apple has similarly offered App Store gift cards, which also offer access to all content, for some time.

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20 months ago
That is a great idea! I think I will do that for my Dad!
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20 months ago
Saw those earlier this week in Best Buy too. Didn't give them too much of a look, but I believe it also said you could use it in the iTunes store.
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20 months ago
Does that mean that these are special iTunes cards that can only be used to buy books? As far as I know iTunes only has one generic credit balance, not for each type of content separately so they must have introduced that?

I hope they can still be used to buy apps, music etc.
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20 months ago
Seems fine if they are just a different branded iTunes cards and are interchangeable. Like getting a Target gift card with the dog on it verses one with a birthday cake on it. But if they only work for iBooks then that is silly.
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20 months ago

Does that mean that these are special iTunes cards that can only be used to buy books?

I hope they can still be used to buy apps, music etc.


My guess is that they can still be used for music and apps, but they are just packaging them this way as a way to advertise their iBooks.
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20 months ago
They sure look pretty.
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20 months ago
What is the point? Wouldn't you want the person to have choices when using it? And if it does do the same as the iTunes one what is the point of it if it is the same?
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20 months ago
This is a cool idea. I figure they would use the iTunes Gift Cards but if you know somebody with a iPad, this would be a good gift if they read.
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20 months ago
So, in order to use an iBook giftcard I need an iPad? Right?

To this day I still don't understand why I cannot buy iBooks through iTunes just like audiobooks. This just shocks me.
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20 months ago

So, in order to use an iBook giftcard I need an iPad? Right?

To this day I still don't understand why I cannot buy iBooks through iTunes just like audiobooks. This just shocks me.


Or an iPhone or iPod Touch.
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