Automatic conversion of kids free trial to yearly subscription

Click on this link to review the information in the support article about canceling subscriptions ➔ https://support.apple.com/118428

Notes:

• “If you signed up for a free or discounted trial subscription and you don't want to renew it, cancel it at least 24 hours before the trial ends." By using an app like this you are automatically agreeing (always read the fine print) to this happening, are responsible for reading if this will happen, and canceling the subscription before the trial ends. E.g., https://discussions.apple.com/thread/256230049?answerId=261793271022 Exceptions apply in some countries ➔ https://support.apple.com/108098

• Deleting an app does not cancel a subscription.

• Canceling a subscription does not automatically start a refund.

• This thread (particularly posts by Mac Jim ID) outlines complex scenarios regarding subscriptions and trials. ➔ https://discussions.apple.com/thread/256149847

Apple’s position appears to be that people need to be proactive about purchases, canceling subscriptions at least 24 hours before trials end, and ensuring that others are not able to make unsanctioned purchases on a user’s account. Note that if you allow—intentionally or not—another person access to purchasing on a device, or through Family Sharing if you are the Organizer, you are taking responsibility for things they do. Apple offers these features to help you avoid this situation:

On your device you can use Screen Time to prevent unintentional or unauthorized purchases from the App Store, in-app, and other Apple services. —> https://support.apple.com/102470

Also on your device, require a password for App Store and iTunes purchases —> https://support.apple.com/119848

Use Screen Time as part of parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch —> https://support.apple.com/105121

Use Screen Time to turn off in-app purchases on your iPhone or iPad —> https://support.apple.com/102470

If a child made this purchase on their device as part of Family Sharing, consider activating Ask To Buy—> https://support.apple.com/105055

Use Guided Access to permit a person to only use a single app —>

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/use-guided-access-iph7fad0d10/ios

I have yet to see anybody say that they got a refund from Duolingo.

Re: Automatic conversion of kids free trial to yearly subscription

Commiserations.

Anything "free" generally comes with small print ... terms and conditions that need to be accepted before access. Free software trials from Apple, and from other vendors, developers, and companies, are no exception.

Am not very familiar with DuoLingo itself ... if it is not one of Apple's own products, the payment would likely reach the developer or vendor of the product, rather than remain in Apple's coffers.

Refunds that Apple grants approval for are generally for items from within Apple's own ecosystem. Seems Apple acts rather like a bank does in facilitating some payments. Your son's subscription would be an active one he can use, if it hasn't been cancelled. Your son would likely have a detailed receipt.

The way I understand it:

All Free trials are for people to try out while considering a purchase or a subscription ... if not cancelled at least 24 hours before the free trial expires, the purchase or subscription comes into effect automatically at the end of the trial period. Developers need to earn, eat, and pay bills too, just as we all do.

Seems many of us find that out to our cost, by trial and error, rather than by carefully reading the small print before we accept it, or from heeding buyer-beware / "no free lunch" common-sense that is often, sadly, learned by hard experience.

_____

Legal: Here's what I found:

Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions

https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/us/terms.html

Eg: says:

"Certain Subscriptions may offer a free trial prior to charging your payment method. If you decide to unsubscribe from a Subscription before we start charging your payment method, cancel the Subscription at least twenty-four (24) hours before the free trial ends."