There are several benefits of Apple gift cards, but did you know that an Apple gift card can be used to purchase more than just apps?

While it's true that you can purchase apps with an Apple gift card, the Apple gift card usage is beyond that. Apple gift cards are a part of the broader Apple ecosystem. They offer access to an impressive number of products and services. There are payment methods too, like credit and debit cards, but if you have an Apple gift card, here are some things you can buy with it, besides apps.

What is an Apple Gift Card?

An Apple gift card for Apple services and goods makes it convenient to carry out purchases. The card was introduced in 2020 in the United States and in several other countries. The main aim of introducing the card was to unify the use of gift cards online on the Apple Store. The card replaced the older versions of iTunes Gift Cards and Apple Store Gift Cards, allowing users to expand Apple gift card spending options.

Once a user redeems the card, the value is added to their Apple ID balance. You can use it later to make digital and physical storefront purchases. This means you can buy more than just apps and access a wide range of products from the Apple Store.

Things To Buy With an Apple Gift Card

Here are some things to buy with an Apple gift card. 

1. Subscriptions and Services

The Apple Store has a number of services you can subscribe to. With an Apple gift card, you can:

Apple Music: Pay for an Apple Music subscription. Subscription plans are available for individuals, students, and families. You can use the balance on your gift card to cover your monthly subscription fees. With the subscription, you enjoy unlimited streaming of millions of songs. 

Apple TV+: Access unlimited entertainment like award-winning series, movies, and documentaries. You can use the balance to subscribe and watch fan-favorite shows. 

iCloud+: Gain extra storage once you've run out of it for backing up photos, videos, and documents. The subscription also includes enhanced privacy features and custom email domains. 

Apple Arcade: Gaming enthusiasts can access a growing library of ad-free games without in-app purchases. Your gift card can cover the monthly and annual subscription fees.

2. Hardware Purchases

Apple gift card eligible purchases include products and accessories available at an Apple Store. The Apple products you can get in return for an Apple gift card are

• iPhones like the iPhone 15 or iPhone SE
• iPads
• MacBooks and Macs
• Apple Watches
• AirPods and AirPods Max
• HomePod and Apple TV 4K
• Accessories such as cases, chargers, and magic keyboards are also available.

Purchases can be made with Apple gift cards online through the website and the Apple Store app or at a physical Apple Store location.

3. Digital Content

The Apple ecosystem has a rich collection of music, movies, and books. An Apple gift card is applicable to all. Apple gift cards can be used to purchase or rent:

Movies and TV Shows: The Apple TV app allows you to rent films and TV series of your choice. 

Books and Audiobooks: You can use Apple gift card in Apple Store to purchase eBooks or audiobooks of any genre. You can find fiction, non-fiction, educational, and everything in between on Apple Books.

Music: You can also purchase songs and albums from the iTunes Store with an Apple gift card. Other than that, you can stream your favorites on Apple Music.

4. In-App Purchases and Game Currency

Although it's a big part of apps, it's worth highlighting how diverse in-app purchases can be. You can use your Apple gift card balance for:

1. Game currency like V-Bucks in Fortnite or PokéCoins in Pokémon GO
2. Subscriptions to meditation apps, productivity tools, or educational platforms
3. Premium features in dating apps and social media are available for both personal use and businesses.
4. Educational and creative content available in applications

Apple gift cards make a great gift for people who love mobile gaming and productivity apps.

5. Apple Fitness+ and Apple News+

Apple gift cards can also be used to pay for additional wellness and informative services. 

Apple Fitness+: This is Apple's workout streaming service. It offers different classes across categories like yoga, cycling, HIIT, and more. People who are looking for ways to stay active at home or who love to monitor their health stats can use an Apple Gift Card to subscribe to Apple Fitness+ or purchase an Apple Watch.

Apple News+: With a subscription to Apple News+, you can access hundreds of magazines, newspapers, and premium digital publications. It can all be accessed via your Apple device.

6. Education and Productivity Tools

An Apple gift card can be useful for students and professionals who require paid tools and services. 

• Students can access educational apps and online learning platforms.
• To stay organized, individuals can subscribe to note-taking apps like Notability or GoodNotes.
• Creative professionals and students can access creative tools like Procreate, Affinity Photo, or Logic Pro for Mac.
• Individuals can access premium software upgrades or paid utilities from the App Store. 

Here's What You Can't Buy

There are a lot of things you can buy with an Apple gift card, but here's what you can't:

• You cannot purchase non-Apple subscriptions such as Netflix, Spotify, or Amazon Prime.
• Apple gift cards must be redeemed through Apple platforms. You cannot purchase physical goods from third-party retailers.
• You cannot carry out cash withdrawals or transfers.

Tip: To protect your balance, always avoid gift card scams by redeeming your Apple Gift Card directly through your Apple ID on official Apple platforms. Do not share the card number or code with anyone under any circumstances.

Conclusion

There's so much more than just purchasing apps through a gift card. An Apple gift card has a lot to offer. You get access to an entire Apple ecosystem. You can subscribe to different services, buy Apple devices and accessories, enjoy digital content, and make use of powerful educational and productivity tools. The flexibility and versatility of an Apple gift card make it an ideal investment. The next time you have an Apple gift card, remember that its value extends beyond just purchasing apps. The possibilities are endless.