Apps

How to set up an Apple ID in any country without payment information

Published

May 23, 2016

Monch Lopez

One of the primary reasons I switched to the iPhone 6S when it came out, after years of using Android (and, very briefly, Windows Phone), is the App Store. And while Apple’s home for apps serves as a great host for first-to-market downloads and higher-quality content than its Android counterpart, geographical restrictions have kept some apps out of reach for non-stateside residents.

Take Google’s iOS keyboard, Gboard, as an example; it’s a worthy alternative to sticking to the status quo. Unfortunately, it’s only available in the U.S. App Store. Ditto for Microsoft’s equally compelling Word Flow keyboard. Mind you, there are other cases where having a U.S.-based Apple ID means more and better options.

That said, unless you have a payment option tied to a U.S. address, switching regions isn’t an option. What you can do, however, is create a new ID, this time choosing the U.S. (or any other country) over your country of residence. Again, that method requires a mode of payment in your region of choice. Or does it? Turns out, you can make an Apple ID without keying in a payment option. You just have to know how to do it.

But before we get to the good part, do note the instructions below are for iPhone and iPad owners, though you might achieve the same results using iTunes.

1. Launch the App Store.

2. Scroll down to the bottom of the Featured tab.

3. Select your Apple ID, and then sign out.

4. Make a new ID by choosing Create New Apple ID from the dialog box.

5. Select your preferred proxy country or region (again, we recommend the U.S.), then tap Next.

6. Agree to Apple’s Term and Conditions.

7. Don’t fill out the boxes under New Account. Instead, hit Cancel. You’re now in the App Store of your country or region of choice.

8. Use the search bar to find an app to install and get the app.

9. Select Create New Apple ID and repeat the abovementioned steps. Don’t hit Cancel this time.

10. Fill out the required fields. Choose None under Billing Information, then key in a phone number and an address to complete the account-creation process.

11. You’ll receive a verification email from Apple shortly afterwards. Click the link in that email.

High-five yourself; you now have an Apple ID in your desired locale.

There are other advantages to creating an Apple ID that isn’t linked to a payment system, such as not worrying about accidentally spending anything on content and not having to watch your child like a hawk each time he or she borrows your phone or tablet. That said, regardless of reason, it’s probably better to have one than not.

[irp posts=”10749″ name=”McDonald’s does an Apple”]

Apps

Disney+ launches a TikTok-coded vertical feed called Verts

Published

March 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

TikTok has changed how we consume media. Everything is now vertical. Even the most established streaming services, often a bastion for traditionally horizontal content, is adopting the different format. Now, Disney+ is getting a vertical feed called Verts.

Like its contemporaries, Verts presents a continuous feed of content but tailored to show the plethora of titles from the Disney+ library. This might include the first scenes of shows or notable highlights. The hope, of course, is to direct users to the longform content.

Directly from the Verts feed, users can easily add the respective title to their watchlist or go straight to the title’s page. In turn, the feed is accessible from the homepage since it has its own tab.

According to Disney, early experiments with the feature have driven engagement to available content. Right now, the feed is mostly for clipping enticing content from shows. However, the platform will experiment further with the format for new ways to tell stories.

Though Verts surely stands for “verticals” in this case, “adverts” might fit better as its full government name. Still, it might be a useful tool if you’re figuring out what to watch for the night.

Currently, Verts is available for Disney+ subscribers in the United States. Disney also has plans to expand the feature to ESPN for sports-related content.

Apps

Google Maps is finally getting a 3D mode

The app will also have a Gemini chatbot baked inside.

Published

March 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Some of today’s navigation apps are living in the future. Instead of a two-dimensional map, these apps render the user’s surroundings in 3D. It’s a nifty upgrade that helps drivers more accurately visualize directions on the fly. Finally, Google Maps is getting a much-needed upgrade and will take navigation to the third dimension.

In a new update rolling out today, the new Immersive Navigation feature will bring your surroundings to life. The 3D view creates a render of the surrounding buildings, overpasses, and terrain around the car. It takes the guesswork out of navigation by showing precisely where to turn and what landmarks to look out for.

In the same vein, you can now use Street View to preview your destination before you arrive. Google Maps will also highlight your destination’s entrance, side of the street, and nearby parking.

Outside of how the map is visualized, Google Maps is also infusing its service with Gemini. The new Ask Maps feature will let you engage with the app in a conversational manner. For example, if you’re in the middle of a long drive, you can now ask Maps where the best place is to stop over and have a coffee break. Ask Maps will provide directions, a potential itinerary, and even helpful links to book a reservation ahead of time.

Now, availability for both of these features is still a bit limited. Immersive View is rolling out today to compatible devices and vehicles in the United States. Further, availability will expand over the coming months.

Meanwhile, Ask Maps is available now in the United States and India for Android and iOS. A desktop version is coming soon.

Apps

Apple Music, TikTok launch Play Full Song, a new music discovery experience

Rolling out worldwide exclusively through Apple Music

Published

March 12, 2026

GadgetMatch

Ever came across a viral 15 or 30-second music snippet on TikTok that instantly became your jam on repeat?

For years, TikTok has been a regular source of songs that have become part of our playlists. And together with Apple Music, listening to the music you discover has just gotten even easier.

That’s through Play Full Song, a new music discovery experience, which launches exclusively though Apple Music.

With the new feature, Apple Music subscribers can now enjoy full-length tracks that they discover on TikTok. That’s without ever leaving that popular streaming app.

Fans who discover a song that they love on their For You or Sound Detail page can simply tap the Play Full Song button to open up an Apple Music player and enjoy the song in its entirety.

From there, subscribers can continue listening to a personalized stream of recommended songs. That means no more need to switch apps and search separately.

The new Play Full Song experience helps music fans move seamlessly from the moment of discovery to deeper listening. It’s also designed to be instant and all within the same environment.

Moreover, users can also save their favorite songs to Your Music and add them directly to their Apple Music playlists.

Built using Apple’s MusicKit, full-length song playback takes place on Apple Music. This way, streams are paid within the Apple Music service, supporting artists and rights holders while giving fans a smooth, uninterrupted experience.

Listening Party also launched

The feature builds on the success of TikTok’s Add to Music App. This was previously launched to help artists and fans convert discovery on TikTok to a playlist save in Apple Music and other streaming services.

To cap the announcement, TikTok and Apple Music are also introducing Listening Party. This new feature is designed to bring artists and fans together around music.

It creates a shared environment where fans can listen to songs from their favorite artists in real time, interact with each her, and engage directly with the artist during the session.