Charged $20 for ChatGPT Plus, Service Inaccessible due to Account Binding Issue, and Refund Unjustly Denied Twice

Hello everyone,

I am writing this post out of complete frustration and hope to find a solution or at least some guidance. I've been charged for a ChatGPT Plus subscription via my Apple ID but have been unable to use the service at all. To make matters worse, Apple has denied my two refund appeals with a final, non-negotiable decision, leaving me utterly helpless.

Here is a clear timeline of the absurd situation I'm trapped in:

1. I logged into the ChatGPT iOS app with my email account and subscribed to ChatGPT Plus, processing the payment through Apple's in-app purchase system.

2. The $20 payment was successful, and I received a confirmation from Apple. However, the app immediately showed an error, stating that my Apple ID was linked to another OpenAI account.

3. Following this prompt, I logged out and then logged back in using my Apple ID.

4. Even in this account, the subscription was not active. The "Restore Purchase" option did nothing.

5. In an attempt to resolve the account conflict, I proceeded to delete the OpenAI account associated with my Apple ID.

6. I then logged back into my original email account, hoping the issue was resolved. Unfortunately, I still have no access to the Plus features I paid for.

7. I submitted a refund request to Apple, explaining that the service was never rendered. It was denied. I appealed the decision, and it was denied again with the final verdict: "We reviewed your claim and your purchase doesn't meet conditions for a refund. This decision is final."

I am now in a ridiculous position: I paid for a service that I never once had access to due to a technical glitch between the app and Apple's account system. OpenAI support claims they cannot manage subscriptions made through the App Store and offers no human support channel to resolve this. Apple, the payment processor, has taken my money, failed to ensure the service was delivered, and now refuses to issue a refund.

How is it fair or reasonable to be charged for a digital product that was fundamentally inaccessible from the moment of purchase? This isn't a case of "buyer's remorse"; this is a straightforward case of a failed transaction where the customer is the only one losing out.

I am incredibly disappointed and angry with this entire process. I've been a loyal Apple customer for years, and this rigid, unhelpful "final decision" is unacceptable.

Has anyone else faced a similar issue? Is there any other way to escalate this with Apple? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: Charged $20 for ChatGPT Plus, Service Inaccessible due to Account Binding Issue, and Refund Unjustly Denied Twice