Apple's denial of refund for unauthorized purchases despite app developer support

Question

Level 1

4 points

Apple's denial of refund for unauthorized purchases despite app developer support

Apple has denied my refund request twice for unauthorized purchases made between 09/21/25 and 10/03/25 in the amount of $1,014.65. I reached out to the app developer, and they sent me 3 emails stating they support the refund request; however, I cannot get a hold of anyone at Apple willing to help. I have called and used the text feature and they just say, "You are not eligible for a refund, and the decision is final". No one will even let me forward the emails I received from the app developer. It is disheartening that the app developer is more willing to listen and attempt to help, but Apple will not. Does anyone have a contact at Apple I can reach out to? I am not sure what to do at this point. Any help would be appreciated.

Bel @ Product Madness (Product Madness)

Oct 11, 2025, 04:07 UTC

Hello Sarah,

Thank you for getting back to us.

I’m sorry to hear about your experience. However, please note that purchases made through Apple are processed solely by Apple.

With that said, I kindly recommend reaching out to Apple and sharing this email as proof to support your refund request. The payments made between 2025-09-21 07:53:14 UTC and 2025-10-03 22:41:08 UTC, totaling $1,014.65, should be eligible for a refund, as account access should have been restricted during that period.

Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with!

Best regards,

Bel

Product Madness Support

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Denied Refund Request

Posted on Oct 13, 2025 10:19 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

60,866 points

Oct 13, 2025 12:12 PM in response to SBarney78

Also note that there is nothing stopping the developer from sending you a check for the amount they received from your purchases, especially if they admitted it was their fault. Developers know that they do not have any influence over the Apple refund process and is just a way for them to push you off in another direction to see if Apple will initiate the refund. In most cases all transactions in the App Store are final, but at times Apple may provide a compassionate refund. It should never be expected though.

Just because Apple does not initiate the refund does not mean that the developer has no way to return the money they have received from your purchases. They can also issue you free Promo Codes that can be redeemed for future in-app purchases where it would be no cost to you. They have options, but telling you Apple will refund your money with their email is not one that I have seen to ever work, and it does somehow divert the blame away from them.

Since you specifically asked for contact information for Apple where you can speak to someone in person, here is the link. I just don't think it will help, but certainly worth a shot.

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 2

Oct 13, 2025 10:26 AM in response to SBarney78

First: We’re just fellow users, not unlike yourself.

We are not “Apple” and do not have access to any of your account specifics.

Next: Not knowing any of the details as to how your request was submitted to Apple or why it might have been denied, see if either of these articles might help:

If you want to cancel a subscription from Apple - Apple Support

Request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 3

SBarney78 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 13, 2025 12:02 PM in response to Chattanoogan

I hope so too. I appreciate your response and was able to find many similar threads after you mentioned that this is a "user" community board. Obviously, this is my first time posting to the community boards, so I was not sure what to expect. I truly appreciate it. Have a super day.

Reply