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> Then Apple failed. This was a strange one — it appears you actually need a valid payment card associated with your Apple account or you cannot download free apps or update existing ones.

I've always found this to be an issue that makes using a MAC a non-starter for me. I observed when I first got one (cast off) and it really puts me off.

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Can anyone verify if this is true? I know it was in the past but AFAIK when the App Store took off they removed this restriction allowing you to select 'none' as payment method and still download free apps (otherwise at the time a lot of iPod Touch customers - i.e. kids/teenagers - would not be able to have use their products). The 'none' option still exists so I don't see why you couldn't download free apps with that selected.

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