Apple is rolling out a new promotion that offers customers a 10 percent bonus when adding funds directly to their Apple ID account in the United States between December 17-20. The bonus applies once on up to $200 and was first highlighted by Japanese blog Mac Otakara.
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The funds can be used towards purchases on the iTunes Store and App Store, an iCloud storage subscription, and so forth.
To add funds directly to an Apple ID, go to Settings > Your Name > iTunes & App Store and tap your Apple ID > View Apple ID. Sign in if necessary, tap "Add Funds to Apple ID," tap the amount that you want to add, and confirm your selection. There's also a shortcut available at the bottom of the App Store.
Adding funds to an Apple ID requires having a valid payment method on file and is particularly useful for prepaid credit cards.
Top Rated Comments
While I appreciate the discounts, it worries me that Apple is deviating from Steve Jobs concept that if you build the best products that you can make, then the value to shareholders will come. Steve didn’t aim to satisfy the shareholders. He just built incredible products and the share price went up as a result. Not the other way around.
I’m not ready to panic yet but this does worry me.
This is poor bonus in that case because iTunes gift cards are regularly on sale for 15% off so you’re better off waiting for that unless you need the funds ASAP.
App Store = digital content (apps, music, movies, etc)
I'm reading the terms now on the App Store. The deal only applies to App Store digital content. Purchases at Apple Retail Stores and Apple Online Store, among other things, are specifically excluded.
To me, the distinction between APP Store and APPLE Store gift cards is confusing and annoying. As evidenced by the quoted post, the names are close enough that the casual shopper or even the enthusiast might not realize the difference. You cannot use APP Store money for hardware (but you can use Apple Store money to buy an App Store gift card!).
My personal experience: I am planning to buy some hardware soon and asked for Apple Store gift cards for my birthday. I accidentally got App Store gift cards, which I then learned cannot be redeemed for hardware. They probably thought, hey, it’s all the same thing right? Nope! Now I’m stuck with $100 in App Store / iTunes credit that will take me ~2 years to burn renting the odd movie or buying a song here and there.
[doublepost=1545066548][/doublepost]Hmm, they raised the price of their iPhones, MacBook Air, Mac Mini, and priced their HomePod twice the price of their competitors. Wonder what it could be ....