Apple vs. iTunes Gift Card: Major Differences

Apple has been keeping its users engaged by introducing new advancements on the horizon. Hence, it is crucial to stay updated about Apple’s digital ecosystem, which involves exploring a variety of cards, such as iTunes and Apple Gift Cards. 

In this comprehensive article, we will explore various nuts and bolts of iTunes and Apple gift cards, such as: 

• How do iTunes Gift Cards simplify purchases, from apps to iCloud storage? 
• Apple Gift Card for seamless shopping across the Apple Store, App Store, and more. 
• The difference between real-time transactions with Apple Pay and the digital content focus of iTunes Gift Cards. 

Interesting, isn’t it? Let’s get straight into it. 

iTunes & Apple Gift Cards – An Overview 

iTunes cards act as prepaid vouchers, facilitating the purchase of music, apps, and various online content.  

Whereas, Apple Gift Cards are a versatile digital currency, allowing users to buy many Apple products and services.  

Feature	iTunes Gift Cards	Apple Gift Cards
Distribution	Physical and e-gift card formats	Physical and digital formats
Redemption Method	Redeem through the Apple App Store	Redeem on Apple website or app
Primary Use	Digital content purchases on the iTunes Store	Versatile for various products on Apple
Versatility	Limited to Apple ecosystem (App Store, iTunes)	Usable for a wide range of products and services
Usage Limitations	Primarily for Apple services and digital content	Can be used for any product sold by Apple
Availability	Available at Apple retail outlets, online	Widely available online and in various retail locations
Compatibility	Specific to Apple ecosystem (iOS devices, Mac)	Compatible with any platform where Apple is available

What is an iTunes Gift Card? 

iTunes, an Apple-owned software, empowers users with diverse capabilities, including importing songs from CDs, acquiring music, accessing live online streams, watching movies, and more.  

Before the advent of iTunes, individuals typically visited physical music stores to buy music records or download from unauthorised sources.  

However, with iTunes, users can conveniently purchase music and other content online through the iTunes store.  

An iTunes gift card is a voucher or prepaid debit card that provides an alternative to traditional payment methods like debit cards.  

iTunes gift cards are available in physical and e-gift card formats at Apple retail outlets, the official website, or various convenience stores. 

How are iTunes Cards Used? 

Having discussed the basics of iTunes and its associated gift cards, let’s delve into the range of uses for an iTunes gift card: 

1. Purchasing Apps on the Apple App Store 

Whether it’s games, applications, or subscriptions—some paid, some free—an iTunes card provides a convenient means to acquire these paid apps. 

2. Renewing Apple Music Subscriptions 

An iTunes card offers a workaround in regions like Nigeria, where Apple Music’s payment challenges persist.  

Instead of grappling with recurring issues related to debit card compatibility, users can utilise an iTunes card for seamless subscription renewals. 

3. Acquiring iCloud Storage 

New users receive an initial 5GB of free iCloud space, but this allocation can quickly fill up.  

An iTunes gift card is a practical option for purchasing additional space for your Apple device to expand your iCloud storage. 

4. Buying Movies and Books 

The balance on an iTunes gift card can be employed to purchase various paid books on Apple Books and movies available in the iTunes store. 

5. In-app purchases 

Gamers and app enthusiasts can use iTunes gift cards to make in-app purchases and acquire game currencies from the diverse selection available on the Apple App Store. 

How to Redeem an iTunes Gift Card?

Below is a step-by-step guide outlining the process of redeeming your iTunes gift card on your iTunes account:

1. Peel off the label from the back of the card, revealing a 16-digit code beginning with an “X.” 

2. Open the Apple App Store. 

3. Navigate to the bottom-left corner of your screen and tap “TODAY.” 

4. Click on your photo or profile icon at the screen’s top-right corner. 

5. Select ‘REDEEM GIFT CARD OR CODE.’ 

6. Two options will be presented: “use camera” and “enter code manually.” Scan the physical gift card using your camera or manually input the 16-digit code. 

7. Review the 16-digit code for accuracy. 

8. Click on REDEEM at the top right corner of your screen. If accessing from the desktop, click on redeem at the left bottom corner of your screen.

The card’s value will be added to your balance, allowing you to purchase apps, music, movies, or any item requiring your Apple ID. 

How to Use Old iTunes Cards Hassle-free? 

iTunes gift cards have no new expiration date, and Apple will honor them for the foreseeable future. To make the most of your old iTunes cards, follow these hassle-free steps: 

1. Redeem Quickly 

Redeem older iTunes cards without worry, as they have no new expiration date. Use any computer or mobile device for a hassle-free process. 

2. Check Apple ID Balance 

Verify your Apple ID balance post-redemption to ensure a successful deposit. Contact Apple support if issues arise. 

3. Flexible Spending 

Use your iTunes/Apple ID balance for various subscriptions (Apple Music, HBO), iCloud storage, music, apps, and eBooks, regardless of the transition from iTunes to dedicated content apps. 

What is an Apple Gift Card? 

Apple gift cards are digital assets provided by Apple, serving as versatile currency for purchasing Apple products and services.  

They can be used to buy hardware and software and pay for Apple services like iCloud storage and Apple Music subscriptions.  

Moreover, they are available directly from Apple, verified resellers, and certain convenience stores.  

These gift cards have no expiration date and can be redeemed across various Apple devices. They offer users a convenient way to access and enjoy Apple’s ecosystem.  

What Type of Apple Gift Cards Do I Have? 

Apple gift cards have evolved over time, with older versions being specific to iTunes or the Apple Store, while newer cards are more versatile, allowing purchases across all Apple services and stores.

Apple Gift Card Types Overview 

Type	Description
Apple Gift Card	The vibrant Apple logo is used for products, apps, and subscriptions at Apple Stores.
App Store & iTunes Gift Card	Blue design, 16-digit code (X), redeemed for apps and subscriptions.
Apple Store Gift Card	Solid colour options are used at Apple Stores or on Apple.com. The back includes a balance link and helpline.
Older Gift Cards	Various looks but redeemable, e.g., Apple Music Gift Card (pink, purple, blue), iTunes Store Gift Card (pink, yellow, orange).

1. Apple Gift Card 

The Apple Gift Card is easily identified by its vibrant Apple logo against a white background.  

This versatile card can be utilized at Apple Stores to purchase products and accessories and various digital services such as apps and subscriptions like Apple Music and iCloud+. 

2. App Store & iTunes Gift Card 

Distinguished by its predominantly blue design with a pattern, the App Store & iTunes Gift Card contains a 16-digit redemption code starting with X.  

This card allows users to redeem their value for apps, subscriptions, and other digital content on the App Store and iTunes. 

3. Apple Store Gift Card 

Featuring a solid color on the front—options include grey, white, silver, or gold—the Apple Store Gift Card provides flexibility.  

Its back consists of a link for balance checks, usage limitations specifying where it can be redeemed (in Apple Stores or on apple.com), and a helpline for assistance. 

4. Older Gift Cards 

While older gift cards may have different appearances, they remain redeemable by following the instructions provided on the back.  

Examples of older cards include the Apple Music Gift Card (pink, purple, blue) and the iTunes Store Gift Card (pink, yellow, orange). 

Is Apple Pay the Same as Apple Gift Cards? 

No, Apple Pay and Apple Gift Cards are distinct entities with different functions.  

Apple Pay is a feature within Apple Wallet that enables users to store and use credit and debit card information digitally for in-store and online transactions.  

Conversely, Apple Gift Cards are specific to Apple services and can be used for purchases in the App Store, Apple Music, and Apple TV Plus. 

Apple Gift Cards cannot be integrated into Apple Pay and do not serve as general substitutes for physical cash or other payment cards. 

In essence, Apple Pay focuses on real-time transactions using linked bank cards, while Apple Gift Cards are dedicated to digital content acquisitions within the Apple ecosystem. 

Can I Use an Apple Gift Card for iTunes? 

Yes, the newly unified Apple Gift Card can be used for various purposes. The merged card combines the functionalities of the earlier Apple Store card and the App Store and iTunes card. 

You can use the Apple Gift Card to purchase at the App Store and the iTunes Store and even augment your iCloud storage. 

It offers a versatile form of payment, encompassing a broader range of Apple products and services.

Is the Apple Gift Card the Same as Apple Cash? 

No, Apple Gift Cards and Apple Cash serve different purposes. Apple Gift Cards are primarily used to make purchases on the Apple Store, iTunes, and App Store and pay for Apple services like Apple Music and iCloud storage.  

In contrast, Apple Cash is a peer-to-peer payment service facilitating money transfers through the Messages app on iOS devices.  

While Apple Gift Cards are for product and service purchases, Apple Cash is designed for person-to-person money transactions.  

Moreover, your Apple account balance can be utilized in the Apple Store through the Apple Store app or online. 

Feature	Apple Gift Card	Apple Cash
Usage	Buy on Apple Store, iTunes, App Store, and services.	Peer-to-peer payment via Messages on iOS devices.
Redemption	Redeem for goods within Apple’s ecosystem.	Person-to-person payments using the Messages app.
Primary Purpose	Purchase Apple products, apps, and services.	Facilitates direct money transfers between users.
Accepted Locations	Valid at Apple Store, iTunes, and online services.	Mainly within Messages and stores with Apple Pay.
Apple Store Purchases	Use for buying physical products at the Apple Store.	Account balance is applicable in-store via the Apple Store app or online.

Conclusion 

In a nutshell, Exploring Apple’s digital currencies offers users a spectrum of options, each tailored to enhance the Apple experience.

From the versatile applications of iTunes Gift Cards to the unified functionality of the Apple Gift Card, users can seamlessly explore and enjoy numerous services, apps, and content within the Apple ecosystem. 

Understanding the nuances between Apple Pay and iTunes Gift Cards becomes crucial as technology evolves, ensuring users make the most of real-time transactions or indulge in digital content acquisitions.

Whether you’re a seasoned Apple enthusiast or a newcomer to the ecosystem, this article aims to empower users with insights and tips to maximize the potential of these diverse digital currencies.