Paid $200 via App Store — Never Activated — 3 Weeks No Resolution — Apple and OpenAI Pointing at Each Other

ChatGPT Support
1

Hi OpenAI Community,

I’m hoping someone here or from the OpenAI team
can help — I’ve exhausted all normal support channels.

WHAT HAPPENED:
Purchased ChatGPT Plus annual subscription via
Apple App Store on May 21, 2026.
Apple charged $200 immediately — confirmed by receipt.
Subscription has never activated — account shows FREE.

ORDER DETAILS:
Apple Order ID: MSD44ZQMV2
Amount: $200
Date: May 21, 2026
Apple Account: [redacted]

EXACT ERROR when tapping Restore Purchases:
“Purchases for your Apple ID are associated with
another ChatGPT account.”

THE PROBLEM:
Apple’s system confirms subscription active until
May 2027. ChatGPT shows FREE. The purchase appears
linked to a different ChatGPT account — not caused
by me. This is a system-level account linking error.

WHAT I HAVE TRIED:

  • Multiple contacts with OpenAI Support
  • Multiple contacts with Apple Support
  • Apple refund request — refused
  • Restore Purchases — error every time
  • 3 weeks — no resolution

OpenAI Support says contact Apple.
Apple Support says contact OpenAI.

$200 paid. Zero service. 3 weeks. No resolution.

Has anyone from OpenAI seen this issue before?
Can the subscription be transferred or activated
manually on my account?

Any help is appreciated.

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2

Welcome to the dev Community! @abilgin02

Thanks for flagging this. If you've already reached out to Support, could you please share one of your support ticket number? Having the case ID will help me review the existing correspondence and better understand the situation.

~ Smith

3

Thank you for looking into this.
Here are my case numbers:
• 09090919
• 09235777
• 09235607
• 09157129
Each time I contacted OpenAI support, I provided all requested details. Every time, I was directed to contact Apple. I followed up with Apple, and Apple directed me back to OpenAI.
I am now in a loop between the two companies with no resolution. The subscription charge was processed through the Apple App Store, but the service issue is on OpenAI’s side.
I would appreciate your help escalating this to a senior support agent who can take ownership and resolve it directly, rather than redirecting again.
Thank you.

4

Hi @abilgin02

Thanks for sharing the ticket number.

I've flagged this internally, and the team will get back to you as soon as they have an update through your support ticket (#09235607)

~ Smith