Notice: Apple ID Balances in Singapore Cannot Be Spent Starting July 1

Starting on July 1, 2024, it will no longer be possible to spend an Apple ID balance in Singapore, according to an Apple support document spotted by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. Apple did not provide an explanation for this decision, but it appears to relate to new regulations introduced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In general, gift cards are frequently involved in scams that defraud people.

Apple Giftcard Feature
Apple says that any App Store & iTunes gift cards added to an Apple ID balance before July 1 can still be used toward digital purchases until that deadline.

Apple will issue refunds to customers with a remaining Apple ID balance after the deadline:

After spending your balance is no longer possible, Apple will begin to automatically issue refunds for any remaining Apple ID balance to users in Singapore. If you have a balance, your money will be refunded to the default credit or debit card on file as a payment method for your Apple ID. You'll receive a confirmation email when Apple has processed your refund. Afterwards, it might take up to 30 days for your financial institution to show the refund in your account.

Apple already stopped selling gift cards in Singapore last year, and discontinuing Apple ID balances appears to be a related decision.

Apple Store gift cards are unaffected by this change, and they can continue to be used at the three Apple Store locations in Singapore.

For more important details, read Apple's support document.

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: iPhone 17's 'Awe Dropping' Accessories

Friday August 29, 2025 8:12 am PDT by
Following the announcement of Apple's upcoming "Awe dropping" event, on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show we talk through all of the new accessories rumored to debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos We take a closer look at Apple's invite for "Awe dropping;" the design could hint at the iPhone 17's new thermal system with ...

Top Rated Comments

vegetassj4 Avatar
19 months ago
“no longer be possible to spend an Apple ID balance…”

Well, it isn’t named Singarich….

[Click to view video attachment]
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
19 months ago

Starting July 1, it will no longer be possible to spend an Apple ID balance in Singapore, according to an Apple support document spotted by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. Apple did not provide an explanation for this decision, but it appears to relate to new regulations introduced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Apple already stopped selling gift cards in Singapore last year, and discontinuing Apple ID balances appears to be a related decision.
Too many instances of gift card scams and elderly abuse

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/victims-lose-over-98k-to-itunes-and-google-play-gift-card-e-mail-scams-targeting

https://mothership.sg/2020/11/elderly-man-yishun-7-eleven-itunes-gift-cards-scam/

https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/once-bitten-twice-not-shy-woman-loses-over-15k-online-love-scams

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwan-familymart-employee-saves-singapore-post-grad-student-from-love-scammer

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/police-warn-scams-delivery-couriers-itunes-cards-remittance-2675771


Google stopped selling Google Play gift cards in 2020 for the same reason.



Attachment Image
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RealE Avatar
18 months ago

The US should do the same, gift cards are mostly used for scams here too.
Used in scams, yes. More than 50% of gift card usage being scams, doubtful.

It is frustrating that bad actors in this world ruin things for the rest of us.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Rafterman Avatar
18 months ago

As long as Canada doesn't. I use Apple Gift cards all the time. I know lots of others use them too. They also make great gifts.
Agree, ridiculous to kill it for everyone.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacHeritage Avatar
18 months ago

The US should do the same, gift cards are mostly used for scams here too. I'd bet it's the same in the EU.
As long as Canada doesn't. I use Apple Gift cards all the time. I know lots of others use them too. They also make great gifts.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)