Unexpected charges for free apps on iPhone

Why am I being billed to have games or apps on my phone when they are free.??




[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Downloading apps

Posted on Sep 23, 2025 11:37 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 24, 2025 9:05 AM

Please check carefully to see exactly what the charges are for. Most apps have premium updates and in app features. That is whey you are asked for a payment method before downloading even a free app. But you will not be charged unless you upgrade, make an in app purchase, or fault to cancel a free trial in time.


If you can provide more detail, we should be better able to help you.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 24, 2025 9:05 AM in response to DavEwiggins26

Please check carefully to see exactly what the charges are for. Most apps have premium updates and in app features. That is whey you are asked for a payment method before downloading even a free app. But you will not be charged unless you upgrade, make an in app purchase, or fault to cancel a free trial in time.


If you can provide more detail, we should be better able to help you.

Sep 24, 2025 9:13 AM in response to DavEwiggins26

There are absolutely no charges to download free apps.

  • If you started a free trial in the app, you will be charged the subscription as detailed in the Authorization screen if you do not cancel a day before the start date. This is seen clearly on the Authorization Screen that required you to double click the side button, followed by verification with FaceID/TouchID or Passcode. Not something that can be done by accident.
  • If you have not paid for a previous transaction, that will need to be paid before you are allowed to use the App Store and download any further apps, even if they are a free download.

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Unexpected charges for free apps on iPhone

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