If you want to purchase apps via the iTunes App Store, the only way to do so is either by redeeming an iTunes gift card and adding that credit to your account, have someone gift you an app, or add your credit/debit card onto file and have your purchases charged automatically. However it looks like Apple could soon be adding a new method: carrier billing.
It has been confirmed by an O2 spokesperson to the folks at TechCrunch that carrier billing is a new feature the carrier will be supporting over in Germany. “Payment via the O2 phone bill is now available for Apple Music, iTunes, App Store and iBooks Store Purchases. The service is gradually being rolled out and will be available for all O2 customers (prepaid and postpaid) in Germany by the beginning of November 2015.”
While carrier billing isn’t new for other platforms, this would essentially make the first time Apple has supported this method of payment. This seems to suggest that Apple is now starting to open up its doors to support a wider set of users, some of whom might not have access to credit/debit cards but would like a more convenient way of purchasing apps.
For those unfamiliar with the concept, carrier billing is where your purchase is charged to your phone’s bill every month. This means you can pay for your apps the same time you pay your phone bill. Like we said this is a more convenient method for those who do not own credit/debit cards.