why do i have to pay to get a app??
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: My app store
carmella256
User level: Level 1 (4 points)
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Need to pay for apps on the App Store
Posted on Oct 13, 2026 1:41 PM
4 replies
Katana-San
User level: Level 10 (124,115 points)
User level: Level 10 (124,115 points)Oct 13, 2026 1:53 PM in response to carmella256
Hello~ Are you being asked for a payment method to download? You may need a payment method on file for various reasons. You will not be charged for free apps. See below…
Add a payment method to your Apple Account - Apple Support
~Katana-San~
Phil0124
User level: Level 10 (242,520 points)
User level: Level 10 (242,520 points)Oct 13, 2026 2:37 PM in response to carmella256
Because app developers are people too and deserve to be paid for their hard work developing the apps. do you give your work away for free?
With that said, there are a large number of free apps in the App store.
Kilgore-Trout
User level: Level 8 (43,363 points)
User level: Level 8 (43,363 points)Oct 13, 2026 1:53 PM in response to carmella256
Niel is correct in that many apps are certainly not free (app developers need to feed their families too). Also, depending on circumstances you do need a valid payment method in your Apple account to download even free apps.
Perhaps you could describe what you are experiencing in a bit more detail and someone may be able to provide more assistance.
Niel
User level: Level 10 (756,437 points)
User level: Level 10 (756,437 points)Oct 13, 2026 1:46 PM in response to carmella256
If the application lists a price, because the developer has decided to charge for it.
If the application lists Get or Download, because your account is overdrawn.
(265220)
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256375688