The App Didn't Work as Advertised. Here's How I Got a Refund.

An app promised features that simply did not exist. The developer refused to refund me. I got my money back anyway. Here is how.

I bought a photo editing app called FilterMaster for $24.99. The App Store listing showed features like "AI background removal" and "batch editing." Neither of these features worked in the version I downloaded. The background removal tool was a manual lasso tool. Batch editing was limited to five photos at a time.

I contacted the developer. They said: "These features are coming in the next update." I pointed out that the listing showed them as current features, not upcoming ones. They stopped responding.

I requested a refund from Apple and selected "App does not work as described." I attached screenshots of the listing promising certain features and screenshots of the app showing they did not work. Apple reviewed it and approved the refund within two days.

The key is the distinction between "misleading description" and "I do not like the app." If the app description promises features that do not exist, that is misrepresentation. Most platforms take this seriously because it affects their own reputation.

Always take screenshots of the app listing before purchasing. Listings can change after you buy. I have a folder on my phone called "App Store Evidence" with screenshots of every paid app I buy. It has saved me three times.