With the rise in popularity of Apple gift cards, users are now getting confused between types of Apple gift cards. Yes! You heard it right, there are different types of Apple gift cards based on region, format & much more. To avoid that confusion, we have enlisted & explained Apple card types in this blog. By getting a clear understanding of these gift cards, you can pick your card easily! Let's start!
Types of Apple Gift Cards
Types of Apple gift cards are based on their location, design & scope of use.
1. Based on region: That means that with every region design, & language of Apple gift card differs.
2. Based on format: Apple gift cards come in two formats, which are Physical & Digital gift cards
3. Based on Use: This highlights the use of older vs. Latest version of Apple gift cards.
📍 Types of Apple Gift Cards Based on Region
Apple gift cards are used all across the world and they are found everywhere. In this section, we are going to cover a few of the regions to spot some differences;
💲 US Apple Gift Cards
US Apple gift cards are issued in the ($) currency and their design looks like a multi-colored Apple logo with a clean white background. The language is English & code usually contains a 16-digit pattern. These gift cards are available on Amazon, larger retail chains like Walmart), and also on Apple.com
💷 UK Apple Gift Cards
These gift cards are issued in GBP (£) usually £10, £15, £25, £50, £100 and more. The text on the card is written in the English language with a slightly different background than US gift cards. These gift cards can be bought from Apple's UK site and from different international market places like Amazon.
💶 Euro Apple Gift Cards
Euro Apple gift cards are a little complex to differentiate because each country issues their own cards. Apple gift cards in some European countries like Poland, Sweden, Denmark use their local currencies (like PLN, SEK, ETC). On the other hand, some Eurozone countries, like Germany, France, Italy have their gift cards labelled as EUR (€). The difference in gift cards not only comes in currency but the language and redemption instruction also differs for each region.
💳 Turkey Apple Gift Cards
Turkey’s Apple gift cards are issued in Turkish Lira (₺) and can only be redeemed on Apple IDs set to Turkey. It is likely to include Turkish language details on packaging or digital delivery pages.
💴 Japan Apple Gift Cards
Japanese Apple gift cards are issued in Japanese Yen (¥). They can only be redeemed with an Apple ID set in Japan, even if you are physically elsewhere. Artwork may include localized seasonal designs, such as cherry blossoms in spring or traditional Japanese holidays.
💳 Types of Apple Gift Cards Based on Formats
Based on formats, there are two different types of Apple gift cards. One is the physical Apple gift card and the second one is the Digital Apple gift card. Want to know the difference between them? Let's have a look;
Physical Apple Gift Cards
✅ Description
Physical Apple gift cards are tangible cards that you can buy at retail stores or online for delivery. They are ideal for gifting in person or keeping as a physical backup of your Apple credit.
🖌️ Design
🔹 Plastic card with Apple branding and a 16-digit redemption code.
🔹 Often features seasonal or promotional artwork, such as holiday-themed cards, limited edition colors, or Apple Store campaigns.
🔹 Instructions and terms of use are printed on the back of the card.
🔹 Localized designs depending on the region (language, currency, and small promotional graphics).
🚚 Delivery
🔹 It can be purchased in stores or online and shipped physically.
🔹 It may take a few days to arrive if ordered online.
🔹 It can be presented as a gift in person, wrapped with a card or envelope.
👍 Pros
🔹 Great for gifting in person.
🔹 Usually packaged nicely for special occasions.
👎 Cons
🔹 Requires physical delivery if not purchased in store.
🔹 It can be lost or damaged.
🔹 Not instant delivery of the gift card as you may have to wait for shipping.
Digital Apple Gift Cards
✅ Description
Digital Apple gift cards are electronic codes sent via email or online delivery. They function exactly like physical cards but without a tangible form.
🖌️Design
🔹 Delivered as a digital email or displayed on a website.
🔹 Includes Apple branding and the 16-digit redemption code.
🔹 Often includes personalized messages if sent as a gift.
🔹 Localized to the country/region of purchase, with instructions in the local language and currency.
🚚 Delivery
🔹 Instant delivery via email or through verified digital marketplaces.
🔹 Can be sent directly to the recipient anywhere in the world (as long as the region matches).
🔹 Great for last-minute gifts or remote gifting.
👍 Pros
🔹 These gift cards can be delivered instantly without waiting for the shipment.
🔹 Perfect for remote gifting.
🔹 It is easier to send multiple digital Apple gift cards at once
👎 Cons
🔹 Needs internet access for delivery and redemption.
🔹 Digital gift cards are less presentable than physical gift cards.
💻 Types of Apple Gift Cards Based on Older vs. Latest version
Older Version of Apple Gift Card
Before Apple unified its gift cards, there were two main types, each with a specific purpose.
App Store & iTunes Gift Cards
🔹 Purpose: These cards were designed only for digital purchases, such as apps, games, in-app purchases, music, movies, and books.
🔹 Design: They typically have a blue background with a pattern featuring the Apple logo or abstract artwork.
🔹 Usability: You can not use them to buy hardware or accessories in the Apple Store. The balance would only apply to your Apple ID for digital content.
🔹 Example: If you wanted to buy a paid game or upgrade an app, this was the card to use.
Apple Store Gift Cards
🔹 Purpose: These cards were created specifically for physical products and accessories at Apple Stores, both online and offline.
🔹 Design: They came in solid colors like gold, silver, or grey, often minimalistic in style, reflecting the premium Apple Store branding.
🔹 Usability: You cannot use these cards for digital content, like apps or media These were only for purchasing hardware (iPhone, MacBook, accessories) in Apple retail stores or on apple.com.
🔹 Example: Buying an iPhone case or AirPods would require this type of card
Latest Version of Apple Gift Card
🔹 Purpose: Apple now offers a unified gift card that works for both digital content and physical products. This means a single card can be used for apps, games, movies, subscriptions, iCloud storage, music, books, as well as hardware like iPhones, iPads, and accessories.
🔹 Design: The latest card features a colorful Apple logo on a clean, white background. The vibrant design makes it instantly recognizable and differentiates it from older versions.
🔹 Usability: This card provides maximum flexibility, so you don’t need to worry about whether it’s for the App Store or the Apple Store.
🔹 Example: You could buy a game from the App Store, pay for Apple Music, and also purchase AirPods using the same card.
FAQ's ⁉️
1️⃣ How many types of Apple gift cards do we have?
Types of Apple gift cards are based on its format, region, & use.
2️⃣ What can we do with the latest version of Apple Gift Cards?
You can do physical and digital purchases using the latest version of Apple gift cards.
3️⃣ Are Apple gift cards region-specific?
Yes. Apple gift cards can only be redeemed in the country or region where they were purchased. For example, a U.S. gift card won’t work in the U.K. App Store. If you want to know some more errors that you may face while redeeming Apple gift cards, read this blog for more information; https://blog.cardsoon.store/apple-gift-card-errors-you-may-face-and-how-to-fix-them.html
4️⃣ Can I sell US-based gift cards in Nigeria?
Yes, you can sell US-based gift cards in Nigeria using reputable gift card trading platforms like Cardsoon.
5️⃣ Can I check my Apple gift card balance?
Yes, you can check Apple gift card balance by visiting Apple's official balance checker page.
