Mike Wuerthele
In what appears to be a database problem, Apple is not just sending emails to iCloud accounts saying that the user needs to update with an iCloud email address, but customers outside the US are erroneously being asked to apply as well.
Since Monday, Apple has been sending out a batch of emails, telling customers that all that Apple needs is an Apple ID — with the email sent to an iCloud address associated with an Apple ID. This is having a side-effect — Apple ID account holders in countries outside the US are getting the emails as well.
So far, AppleInsider has been forwarded emails from Apple ID holders in Canada, England, France, Ireland, and Spain, all saying that Apple needs a valid Apple ID to proceed.
There is nothing on Apple's pages for the Apple Card suggesting that there is an international rollout at this time. Sources inside Apple corporate not authorized to speak on behalf of the company that AppleInsider contacted this morning confirmed that invites should only be going out to Apple ID holders that reside in the US.
Additionally, Apple Support is aware of the situation. Customers who are calling for information about the invitation email are being told that the engineering team is working on the problem.
So, in short, if you are getting these emails and don't live in the US, the application will fail when you try to apply.
It's not clear how long it will take for the Apple Card to launch outside the US. Apple has filed for trademarks on the name "Apple Card" across Europe and Hong Kong. Apple has also confirmed that the Apple Card will roll out to other countries at some point.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
24 Comments
Yet another indicator of Apple's total incompetence. Everyone responsible for this debacle should be terminated! And Apple fined gazillions of dollars for getting all these international folks' hopes up!
/s
I wonder if (part of) the issue stems from situations like mine: I’m an American living in Canada and have switched back and forth between accessing the Apple Store in both countries in the past.
Technically, though I reside in Canada, I should be eligible to apply as I meet all the criteria to do so. Perhaps Apple’s system doesn’t quite know how to parse potential applicants in similar situations.
My invite for Apple Card came yesterday and the application process for the card in the Wallet app was a snap. I have noticed that I am getting a MFT of credit card applications this last week, I think competitors are running scared about the 🍏 card.
I am in the UK and also got the Applecard invitation email this morning. So hopes dashed again! Apple promised the roll out of the Apple Pay Cash to the UK what, over two years ago and so far nothing, zip, nada. Increasingly they appear to be a US only focused company so disappointing for someone who has been an Apple user since the beginning. A promise to roll out an Applecard to the UK later - means little now.