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

Firefox ad reunites all your favorite memes from decades ago

The Numa Numa Guy, Annoying Orange, and Chocolate Rain are back!

Published

October 27, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Before Tung Tung Tung Sahur and Skibidi Toilet, the early internet was populated by charismatic personalities looking to make their presences felt in a land that didn’t have a lot of rules yet. As early users, we danced to “Dragostea din tei,” belted out “Chocolate Rain,” and copied “Shoes” word-for-word. Today, Firefox is bringing all those good memories back for a grand reunion.

In a new ad, the web browser featured ten of the biggest stars of the early internet including the aforementioned Numa Numa Guy, Tay Zonday, and Shoes’ Kelly. You can also see Annoying Orange, Chuck Testa, Overly Attached Girlfriend, Bad Luck Brian, Where the Hell is Matt?, the Apparently Kid, and the Success Kid.

Now, this isn’t just a reunion. The ad has a clear message about today’s most concerning issue: AI. Everything has “built-in AI, always asking, asking, asking,” as the Annoying Orange said.

“They make money by following us, and somehow, I’m the creepy one?” the Overly Attached Girlfriend asked.

All these famous personalities are asking what happened to the internet today. Obviously, the big takeaway is that we should all go back to Firefox.

Compared to other browsers, Firefox has a lot of built-in features that offer a lot of control for users. For one, it has its own VPN for privacy. Secondly, reflecting the ad’s message against AI, the browser has a toggle to minimize AI features.

Apps

Apple Music is getting a Liquid Glass makeover

The new logo debuts next week with iOS 27.2.

Published

October 22, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Apple Music is getting a revamp. In one of the tamer things going on with the brand today, Apple has introduced a new design language for its native music streaming platform.

In the midst of all the hubbub surrounding the iPhone Duo, Apple released a change in the visual identity of Apple Music. Rather than a static logo, the platform’s newest evolution offers a dynamic look that melds Liquid Glass and the power of sound together.

Confirmed through a behind-the-scenes video, Apple says that the new aesthetic was made with practical effects. Music producer Fred Again and NEST Acoustics submerged the platform’s logo in a tank of mineral oil and creating ripples with sound. The new language matches well with the chrome aesthetic typical of today’s trends and… well, Liquid Glass, of course.

Apple says that the more ripple-filled version will play before longer content like concert recordings (similar to Netflix’s startup stinger). Meanwhile, a black-and-white version will replace the app’s icon currently colored red and white. Current previews show off a simple logo, but it’s unknown whether Apple is adding a but more elements when the final version drops.

The updated version will debut for users after next week’s iOS 27.2 and macOS 27.2 updates.

Apps

Disney+ strengthens footing as go-to sports streaming app with UFC, NBA, more

ESPN on Disney+ brands itself as ‘new home ground for sports’

Published

October 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

Disney+ is strengthening its footing as a go-to sports streaming app as ESPN on Disney+ is now available in the Philippines, one of its markets with a huge sports-loving fanbase.

The launch coincides with a brand new campaign, “Ito ang Homecourt Mo!” (This is your homecourt!), welcoming Filipino fans to a new home ground for games, stories, and moments.

Subscribers can access live events, on-demand replays, studio shows, documentaries and original programming together in one dedicated destination through ESPN on Disney+.

Production and coverage will be led by ESPN, delivering high-quality broadcasts, commentary and expert analysis across the sports season where available, alongside Disney+ general entertainment and family programming.

Following last season’s success, NBA returns to ESPN on Disney+ with matchups during NBA Tip-Off Week.

Christmas Day games will also be available to stream, including the NBA Finals rematch between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs and the Philadelphia 76ers versus the Los Angeles Lakers.

Playoff games through the conference finals shall also be streamed live and on demand.

Meanwhile, the UFC is among some of the new regular sports programs Filipinos can watch on Disney+.

The action kicks off at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi scheduled on October 25, where two world championship titles are expected to be on the line: UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski takes on undefeated No. 1-ranked contender Movsar Evloev, and UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan defends against former champion and No. 1-ranked Merab Dvalishvili.

Alongside live UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights, fans will have access to a library of classic fights and curated UFC content.

There will also be the original and and behind-the-scenes programming, including UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, UFC Main Event, UFC Fight Flashback, UFC Reloaded, and ROAD TO UFC.

A new home ground for sports

Other notable sports programming will include the Formula E 2026/27 season, with practice, qualifying and main races across 21 rounds in 13 host cities.

Also available on Disney+ are NCAA events, including March Madness, and Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), with all games live across the regular season and championship series.

ESPN’s popular 30 for 30 documentaries will continue to be available on the platform. The line-up also features ESPN studio shows, including ESPN FC and Pardon the Interruption.