Introduction
For tech enthusiasts and Apple aficionados, iTunes and App Store gift cards are a valuable commodity. They provide a convenient way to purchase apps, games, music, movies, TV shows, books, and subscriptions without having to use a credit card or link a bank account. And with a thriving online marketplace for discounted and free gift card codes, savvy shoppers can often score great deals on iTunes and App Store credit.
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll dive deep into the world of Apple gift card codes from the perspective of a tech geek and social expert. We‘ll explore the history and evolution of these digital payment methods, examine trends and statistics around their usage, and reveal insider tips for earning and maximizing your gift card credit. Whether you‘re a casual app user or an iOS power user, this guide will help you get the most bang for your buck on the iTunes and App Store.
The Rise of Apple Gift Cards
Apple first introduced iTunes gift cards in 2002 as a way for users to buy music from the newly launched iTunes Store. These physical cards, which could be purchased at retail locations and redeemed online, quickly became popular gifts for birthdays, holidays, and other occasions.
As Apple expanded its digital offerings to include apps, books, movies, and TV shows, the company rebranded the cards as "iTunes & App Store" gift cards. In 2020, they simplified the name to just "Apple Gift Card" to reflect the card‘s broader usage across Apple‘s various services.
Over the years, Apple has released many limited edition and themed designs for its gift cards, often tied to specific holidays, events, or product launches. These collectible designs have become highly sought after by some Apple fans and gift card enthusiasts.
Apple Gift Card Usage and Trends
Just how popular are Apple gift cards? Let‘s take a look at some key statistics and data points:
In 2020, Apple generated $68.4 billion in net sales from its services category, which includes the iTunes Store, App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and more. A significant portion of these sales come from gift card redemptions.
A 2021 survey by Blackhawk Network found that 51% of respondents had purchased a digital gift card in the past year, and iTunes & App Store cards were among the most popular brands.
According to a 2022 analysis by GiftCards.com, iTunes gift cards are the 4th most popular gift card overall, behind only Visa, Amazon, and Walmart.
In the secondary gift card market, iTunes and App Store cards consistently rank among the most sought-after and highly discounted brands. Resale sites like Raise and CardCash often offer these cards at 10-20% off their face value.
These figures demonstrate the enduring popularity and value of Apple gift cards, both as gifts and as a payment method for Apple‘s digital services. For tech geeks and regular App Store shoppers, finding ways to earn free or discounted gift card codes can add up to significant savings over time.
How to Earn Free Apple Gift Cards
While you can always buy Apple gift cards at full price from retailers or directly from Apple, there are many ways for tech-savvy users to earn free or discounted codes. Here are some of the most popular and effective methods:
Online Surveys and Rewards Programs
One of the easiest ways to score free Apple gift cards is by signing up for online survey and rewards sites. These platforms offer points or cash back for completing various tasks, such as taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, or playing games. You can then redeem your earnings for gift cards to the iTunes and App Store.
Some of the most reputable and highest-paying survey sites for Apple gift cards include:
Survey Junkie: Earn points for completing market research surveys, which you can redeem for cash via PayPal or bank transfer, or gift cards to popular retailers like the iTunes and App Store. Minimum payout is $5.
Swagbucks: This popular rewards site offers many ways to earn "SB" points, including surveys, online shopping, video watching, and more. Redeem your SB for PayPal cash or gift cards, with a $3 minimum payout for gift cards. New users can get a $10 signup bonus.
Inbox Dollars: Earn cash for completing surveys, playing games, searching the web, and more. While the site doesn‘t offer direct iTunes or App Store gift cards, you can cash out via check or prepaid Visa and use your earnings to buy gift cards. Minimum payout is $30.
MyPoints: With one of the largest rewards catalogs, including over 100 gift card options, MyPoints makes it easy to earn credit for the iTunes and App Store. Earn points by taking surveys, shopping online, reading emails, and more. Minimum payout is $3.
Credit Card Rewards and Cash Back
If you have a rewards credit card, you may be able to redeem your points or cash back for Apple gift cards. Some cards, like the Apple Card and the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa, even offer bonus rewards on purchases made through the iTunes and App Store.
To maximize your credit card rewards for Apple gift cards:
- Check your card issuer‘s rewards portal or catalog to see if iTunes or App Store gift cards are available for redemption.
- Compare the redemption rate for gift cards versus cash back or statement credits. In some cases, you may get a better value by redeeming for cash and purchasing gift cards separately.
- Look for special promotions or discounts on gift card redemptions. Some issuers offer seasonal deals or bonus rewards for redeeming points for certain brands of gift cards.
- Consider using a cash back card to purchase discounted iTunes or App Store gift cards from resellers like Raise or CardCash. You can stack your card‘s rewards with the discount on the gift card for even more savings.
Promotional Offers and Giveaways
Apple and its partners occasionally offer promotional deals that include free or discounted iTunes and App Store credit. These might be tied to the purchase of a new device, subscription sign-up, or special event. Some examples:
- Apple‘s annual "Back to School" promotion often includes a free gift card with the purchase of eligible Macs, iPads, or other products for students and educators.
- Carriers like AT&T and Verizon have offered free Apple gift cards worth up to $200 for new customers who switch to their service and trade in an eligible device.
- During the holidays, some retailers like Target or Best Buy may offer bonus iTunes or App Store credit with the purchase of certain Apple gift card denominations.
- App developers and publishers sometimes run giveaways or contests on social media or through their email newsletters, with iTunes or App Store gift cards as prizes.
To stay on top of these promotions, follow Apple and other tech brands on social media, subscribe to their email lists, and keep an eye on deal and freebie sites like Slickdeals or Hip2Save. Set up keyword alerts for terms like "free iTunes gift card" or "App Store credit" to get notified of new offers as they appear.
Maximizing Your Apple Gift Card Value
Once you‘ve earned or purchased an Apple gift card, there are a few strategies you can use to stretch your credit further and get the most value for your money:
Wait for App Sales and Discounts
Just like retailers, app developers often run sales or promotions on their paid apps and in-app purchases. By waiting for these temporary discounts, you can snag apps for free or at a steep discount, making your gift card balance go further.
To find app sales and freebies, use price tracking tools like AppSliced or AppShopper, which let you create a wishlist of apps and get notified when the price drops. You can also follow subreddits like r/AppHookup or r/iOSGamesOnSale for crowdsourced deal alerts.
Use Family Sharing
If you have family members who also use Apple devices, you can take advantage of Family Sharing to share app, music, and book purchases across multiple accounts. This means you only need to buy an app or album once, and up to six family members can download and use it on their own devices.
To set up Family Sharing:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing on your iPhone or iPad
- Tap "Set Up Your Family" and follow the prompts to invite family members or create a child account
- Choose which services and purchases you want to share, such as App Store purchases, Apple Music, or iCloud storage
- Set up a family payment method or enable "Ask to Buy" for child accounts to approve purchases
Once Family Sharing is enabled, any eligible purchases made by one family member can be downloaded by the others without additional charge. This is a great way to pool your gift card funds and get more value out of your purchases.
Redeem Promo Codes
In addition to public iTunes and App Store gift card codes, there are other types of promo codes you can redeem for free or discounted apps, subscriptions, or media. These might come from app developers, beta testing programs, or special promotions.
To redeem a promo code on your iPhone or iPad:
- Open the App Store app and tap your profile icon in the top right corner
- Tap "Redeem Gift Card or Code"
- Use your camera to scan the code, or tap "You can also enter your code manually" to type it in
- Tap "Redeem" to add the credit to your account
Some popular sources for app promo codes include:
- AppHookup: A community-driven site for sharing and discovering free or discounted iOS and macOS app codes
- Apptopia: A service that connects beta testers with app developers, often in exchange for free access to the app or in-app purchases
- AppAdvice: A daily app giveaway site that offers promo codes for paid iOS apps and games
- Codehookup: A site that aggregates promo codes for iOS and macOS apps from various sources, including developer giveaways and social media
Keep in mind that promo codes are often time-sensitive and may expire quickly, so be sure to redeem them as soon as possible.
The Social Impact of Apple Gift Cards
Beyond their monetary value, Apple gift cards have also had a significant social and cultural impact over the years. They‘ve become a popular gift for techies and non-techies alike, and have played a role in the rise of mobile gaming and the app economy.
Building Community Through Code Sharing
One interesting phenomenon that has emerged around iTunes and App Store gift cards is the practice of code sharing. On social media, forums, and Discord servers, communities of Apple enthusiasts and deal seekers have formed to trade, sell, or give away unused gift card codes.
While some of these groups are focused on reselling codes for profit, others are more community-oriented and emphasize sharing and generosity. For example, the r/GiftCardExchange subreddit has strict rules against selling cards and encourages users to give away unwanted codes to others in need.
These gift card sharing communities can be a great way to connect with other Apple fans, discover new apps and games, and even score some free credit for your own account. Just be sure to exercise caution when trading codes with strangers online, and always use a secure payment method like PayPal Goods and Services to avoid scams.
Enabling Mobile Creativity and Entrepreneurship
For many developers, artists, and creators, the iTunes and App Store platforms have been a game-changer, providing a global audience and a built-in payment system for their digital products. And for many of these creators, gift cards have been an important part of their business model.
Paid apps and in-app purchases are often cheaper and more impulse-friendly than traditional software or media. This has made iTunes and App Store gift cards a popular choice for parents, grandparents, and others looking to support a budding app developer or mobile gamer.
In fact, a 2019 report by App Annie found that in-app purchases accounted for 94% of consumer spending on non-gaming apps in iOS, and that gift cards played a significant role in driving this revenue. By lowering the barrier to entry and enabling easy, secure payments, Apple gift cards have helped support a thriving ecosystem of mobile creativity and entrepreneurship.
The Future of Apple Gift Cards
As Apple continues to expand its services and payment options, the role of iTunes and App Store gift cards may evolve in the coming years. Here are a few potential developments to watch:
Consolidation of Payment Methods
With the launch of Apple Card and the integration of Apple Pay across its ecosystem, Apple may look to streamline its payment methods and phase out standalone gift cards in favor of a more unified system. This could mean replacing physical and digital gift cards with Apple Pay Cash or Apple Card balance transfers.
Subscription Bundles
Apple has been investing heavily in its subscription services, such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+, and Apple Arcade. As these services become more integrated and bundled together, gift cards may shift from being tied to individual purchases to covering monthly or yearly subscription fees.
International Expansion
While iTunes and App Store gift cards are available in many countries, there are still some regions where they are not sold or supported. As Apple looks to grow its global user base and app ecosystem, it may need to expand gift card availability and localize its payment methods to better serve these markets.
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Integration
Given the growing popularity of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, some have speculated that Apple may eventually integrate these payment methods into its ecosystem. This could potentially allow users to buy, sell, or trade iTunes and App Store gift cards using Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital assets.
Conclusion
For tech geeks, deal hunters, and anyone who loves the Apple ecosystem, iTunes and App Store gift cards are a valuable and versatile tool. Whether you‘re looking to save money on app purchases, discover new games and media, or support your favorite mobile creators, these cards offer a convenient and flexible way to do so.
By leveraging online surveys, rewards programs, promotional offers, and resale sites, savvy users can earn free or discounted gift card credit to stretch their budgets further. And by following best practices like waiting for sales, using Family Sharing, and redeeming promo codes, you can maximize the value of your gift card balance and get the most out of your App Store experience.
As Apple continues to innovate and evolve its services and payment systems, the role of gift cards may change in the coming years. But for now, they remain an important and widely used part of the Apple ecosystem, supporting a thriving community of developers, creators, and enthusiasts around the world.
