How to Pay for iPhone Apps

By Sophie Southern

Create your app store account in iTunes.
i keyboard apple image by Fabse from Fotolia.com

Having an iPhone and not taking advantage of applications limits the opportunities open to you through having an iPhone in the first place. While some apps are free and other apps are not, you must create an Apple account with a valid credit card to download either. Once you create your account, you can buy apps through the iTunes Store in iTunes on your computer and through the App Store app on your iPhone. All you need to do to make purchases is enter the password for your Apple account, and Apple automatically bills your credit card.

Step 1

Open iTunes on your computer and click the link for the iTunes Store in the left column. Click the "Sign In" button in the top-right corner of the iTunes Store window. Click "Create New Account."

Step 2

Click the "Continue" button, check the box to agree to the iTunes Store terms and conditions and click the "Continue" button again. Follow the instructions to create your Apple ID. You must provide a valid credit card but you will not be charged until you make an actual purchase.

Step 3

Click the "App Store" link at the top of the iTunes Store window after you have finished creating your account. iTunes lets you browse apps by various categories, and you can also search for apps by keyword.

Step 4

Click the "Free" or price button depending on whether the app is free or not, and enter your password when prompted by iTunes. Click the "Download" or "Buy" button to download your app. Connect your phone's USB cord to your computer and follow the syncing process to import new apps.

Step 5

Tap the "App Store" app icon on your iPhone. Use the menu at the bottom of the app window to browse and search for apps.

Step 6

Tap the "Buy" or "Free" button next to an app you want to buy, and enter your password when prompted by the App Store. Tap "Download" if your app does not download automatically.

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