Apple Offering 10% Bonus When Adding Funds Directly to Apple ID

Discounts are very uncharacteristic for Apple. First discounts on HomePod and now discounts on loading money on to Apple ID. I wonder where this philosophical change came from. Maybe it’s a hallmark of Apple becoming a services company where fluctuating prices are necessary to compete.

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.

I’m sure they didn’t think of that.

I misread what this was for. I thought it was to add it to your Apple Pay Cash wallet, not to your Apple ID.

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.

I've been buying iTunes gift cards at 15% off for years. This isn't a deal at all.

You might be mistaking. Just because its not a good deal, doesn't mean its not a "deal". This is the first time Apple themselves have had a discount on iTunes "gift cards" so to speak. Could be testing the waters for future promos.

Wonder if it works with Apple Store app purchases?

Apple Store = retail items (hardware, accessories)
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.

I've been buying iTunes gift cards at 15% off for years. This isn't a deal at all.
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I wonder where this philosophical change came from.

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 ....

Hasnt rolled out completely. Does not offer me a 10% bonus.

I like your thinking. ;)

I am sure there is some fine print…

I’m sure they didn’t think of that.

This is great, but also great have been those eBay promotions where you get a $100 iTunes gift card for $85 (a 15% discount).

Discounts are very uncharacteristic for Apple. First discounts on HomePod and now discounts on loading money on to Apple ID. I wonder where this philosophical change came from. Maybe it’s a hallmark of Apple becoming a services company where fluctuating prices are necessary to compete.

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.

Just worked for me. Now have $220 balance for only $200. Thanks.

Let's say half of Apple users take this "bonus". $200 a pop, less 10% in Apple's bank account to do with what they will, or just collect the interest for a few days....cha ching...10% back is a pin point in that equation.

Apple thanks you...

not in canada

This is great, but also great have been those eBay promotions where you get a $100 iTunes gift card for $85 (a 15% discount).

Interesting. I'm just about to pull the trigger to switch from Amazon Music Unlimited to Apple Music now that they support the Echo. I pay yearly for Amazon Music so "paying" for a year of Apple Music is already budgeted so this seems like a good way to go about it!