Subject: A Call for Accountability: Unjust App Store Policy and Consumer ExploitationTo Whom It May Concern,As a long-time and loyal Apple customer, I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration with a recent experience involving a purchase made through the App Store.I enrolled in a subscription with a clearly advertised promotion stating the first year would be billed at $29.99, with the renewal price increasing to $44.99 thereafter. Despite these advertised terms, I was immediately charged $44.99—an egregious violation of the terms I agreed to. When I reached out to the app developer, they confirmed the price increase via email but stated they were unable to issue a refund due to Apple’s own policy restrictions.I submitted refund requests through Apple twice, and both were denied with no option for further appeal. I was told that Apple is merely a “mediator” and that since it was a third-party app, there was nothing more to be done.Frankly, this is unacceptable.If Apple enforces policies that prevent developers from issuing refunds while simultaneously allowing them to remain on the platform—even when they misrepresent pricing—then Apple is complicit in these deceptive practices. You cannot both prohibit consumer recourse and claim no responsibility when those consumers are misled.This is not simply about a refund anymore. This is about consumer protection and corporate accountability. Your current policy structure creates a loophole that allows unethical developers to exploit users with impunity, and Apple’s inaction enables this behavior.As an artist and small business owner, I understand the responsibility that comes with conducting transactions. If I advertised a sculpture for $10 and charged $20, I would be held accountable—legally, financially, and ethically. This situation is no different.Apple must take a serious look at its policies and practices if it wishes to uphold the values of trust, transparency, and customer loyalty. I urge Apple to implement safeguards to ensure that consumers are protected and that developers who violate pricing agreements are held accountable.Respectfully,Jane Allison
