I recently signed up for the Nebula app after seeing a cheap introductory offer. Initially, everything seemed fine until I tried to unlock a report within the app. Instead of allowing me to pay through the App Store like most other iOS apps, it redirected me to a browser to enter my card information directly on their website, which raised a red flag.
I ended up being charged $49.99 outside of Apple's system, and I can't find a way to cancel this subscription. There's nothing in the app to manage subscriptions, and even the cancel button on their website leads to a loop. Since Apple didn't process the payment, I can't see any subscriptions in my Apple account. It's frustrating, and their customer support is unhelpful, just sending automated replies. Has anyone else experienced similar issues with the Nebula app or other iOS apps? What's my best course of action before reaching out to my bank?
5 Answers
Your best bet right now is to block that merchant through your bank directly. Since Apple didn't handle the payment, they won't be able to assist you with this issue.
Many apps are pushing for direct payments to avoid giving Apple a cut. But seriously, your mistake was providing your card info to them — you’ll need to go through your bank now to resolve this.
I get it now. Since they processed it themselves, only my bank can help.
This app's payment method breaks several App Store rules. Users lose refund options and oversight when payments are handled outside of Apple's system. It's puzzling how this slipped through the review process.
I totally agree. This should have raised major flags during approval.
Some apps do offer discounts for direct payment instead of through Apple, but this situation feels very shady. It's definitely not the norm, for sure.
Exactly, direct payments are one thing, but this feels way off.
If the app is sending you to pay outside the App Store, it's clearly bypassing Apple's guidelines, which raises all sorts of alarms. This shouldn't have been permitted during their review process.
Exactly! I can't fathom how it got approved in the first place.
Thanks! That seems like the next step I'll have to take.