Apple vs. iTunes Gift Card: Major Differences

Apple is working very well to keep its users excited by introducing new advancements into their open horizon. Therefore, one must stay sort of up-to-date with the digital apple ecosystem to play around with different cards, such as iTunes and Apple Gift Cards, to name a few. 

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.

What is an iTunes Gift Card? 

This software by Apple allows you to import songs from CDs, purchase music, listen to real-time streamings, watch movies, and much more. 

The digital transformation of buying music was inhibited, however, by the music industry where, pre-iTunes days, one went to record stores or listened to pirated streaming sites. 

Just like using a Spotify gift card, with iTunes, it became easy for users to download music and many other services from the iTunes Store online.

An iTunes gift card is just like a voucher or prepaid debit card so as to serve as an alternative to the debit cards. 

iTunes gift cards are sold as physical or e-gift cards at Apple retail stores, on Apple’s official website, and in various neighborhood 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 utilize an iTunes card for seamless subscription renewals. 

3. Getting iCloud Storage 

Initial definitely comes with free 5GB of iCloud storage for new users, although it will not last thanks to many devices that these days are incredibly packed with data.  

An iTunes gift card is a brilliant way to buy additional space for your Apple device should you wish to extend your iCloud storage. 

4. Buying Movies and Books 

The balance of an iTunes gift card can be used toward buying various paid books from Apple Books, and movies that can be found in the iTunes store. 

5. In-app Purchases 

Gamers and app enthusiasts can use iTunes gift cards to conduct in-app purchases and acquire game currencies of all types available on the Apple App Store. 

How to Redeem an iTunes Gift Card?

Here is a step-by-step process to redeem your iTunes gift card in your iTunes account:

1. Scratch off at the label’s reverse side so that the 16-digit code begins with an “X.” 
2. Open the Apple App Store. 
3. Tap on the bottom-left corner labeled “TODAY.” 
4. Tap on your photo or profile icon at the upper-right corner of the screen. 
5. Select “REDEEM GIFT CARD OR CODE.” 
6. You would get either “use camera” or “enter code manually.” Using your camera, scan the physical gift card or manually enter the 16-digit code. 
7. Ensure the code is as per the 16 digits of the card. 
8. Click REDIM at the top right corner of the screen. 

The value of that card shall show in your balance to buy apps, music, movies, or whatever requires 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 vouchers issued by Apple, which allows buying goods and services offered by Apple. 

They can be used for hardware and software purchases and paid for services like iCloud storage and Apple Music subscriptions.   

They can also be bought directly in Apple, authorized resellers, and convenience stores.   

There is no expiration date for these gift cards, and they can be redeemed on any Apple device. Apple gift cards allow users direct access into enjoying the Apple 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 

1. Apple Gift Card 

The colorful Apple logo in red, framed against a clear white background, makes an easy identification mark of the Apple Gift Card. 

This card can be used for the purchase of products and accessories from an Apple Store, and various digital services like mobile apps, music streaming, subscriptions, etc., such as Apple Music and iCloud+.

2. App Store & iTunes Gift Card 

The blue, patterned card begins with an X and has a code consisting of 16 digits. 

Users can utilize this card to redeem value for apps, subscriptions, and other forms of 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 

Old gift cards might differ from each other in recognizability but still take any positive action in terms of redeeming as instructed by the back of the card.   

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? 

It is also important to differentiate these two processes: Apple Pay and Apple Gift Cards.  

Apple Pay is a payment feature found in the Apple Wallet app that enables users to store debit or credit card information digitally for in-store or online purchases.  

Apple Gift Cards, on the other hand, are used specifically to purchase Apple services via the App Store, Apple Music, and Apple TV Plus.  

This means that they will not be redeemable for Apple Pay in cash or scripted forms of cash.  

In a nutshell, Apple Pay is about live transactions using connected bank cards or accounts while Apple Gift Cards apply to the purchase of digital content 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.Purchase Apps on the Apple App Store. 
• Renew Apple Music Subscriptions. 
• Buy iCloud Storage for additional space. 
• Acquire movies and books on Apple Books and iTunes stores. 
• Use it for in-app purchases and game currencies on the Apple App Store. 

Is the Apple Gift Card the Same as Apple Cash? 

it should be noted that both can purchase goods from the Apple Store and might be used for any subscriptions or purchase of iTunes or the App Store.

But Apple Cash is peer-to-peer transfer service where money operation can be conducted through the iOS chat app called Messages.   

In general terms, Apple Gift Cards are meant to be used to purchase goods and services such as Apple TV, iTunes, and purchases from Apple, while Apple Cash, on the other hand, is meant to send money to another person.

Conclusion 

In essence, Exploring Apple’s digital currencies widens the spectrum of options available to users by enabling the enhancement of the Apple experience-the versatility of iTunes Gift Cards and the functionality of the Apple Gift Card, in particular-which means that users may seamlessly browse through and easily enjoy numerous services, apps, and content of the Apple world.  

When it comes to Apple Pay, you should really study more into the differences that exist between it and iTunes Gift Cards. This enables users to optimize actual-time transactions or indulges in acquiring digital content.

Whether you are a long-serving Apple fan or new to the ecosystem, this article aims to give users the necessary insight and mechanisms to get the most out of these different digital currencies.