For Apple, Christmas is not just Dec. 25. Playing Santa to its fans, the technology giant has released its 12 Days of Gifts app across select markets, and for the first time, iDevice users in the U.S. will also be able to receive the gifts between December 26 and January 6. While Santa will cruise from North Pole, jump down the chimneys, and put his gifts into Christmas stockings, Apple will be criss-crossing the Internet and sending out presents for everyone on their iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
Apple gave away gifts through the same campaign in Japan, Canada, and parts of Europe during previous Yuletide seasons. And this time, people in the U.S. will be able to receive the gifts too. However, those who want to take advantage of the opportunity to get freebies must install iOS 7.
While it has not started yet, the app for the 12 Days of Gifts is now available for download. Through the app, Apple will notify iPhone and iPad users about the free items that they can grab.
"From 26 December - 6 January, you can download a gift each day-songs, apps, books, films and more-with the 12 Days of Gifts app. Each day's gift will only be available for 24 hours, so download the free app to make sure you don't miss out. Please note: Not all content is available in all countries," the 12 Days of Gifts app description read.
The app for now displays a countdown to the kickoff of the gift-giving promo. During the campaign, the app will also notify users when a new gift is posted by Apple.
Apple will be posting gifts every midnight local time every day through the duration of the campaign. The company did not reveal what items it will be giving away this year but the FAQ of the app hints that it may range from e-books, movies, songs, games and TV content.
In the past, Apple gave away episodes of hit TV shows such as ""Breaking Bad," "Top Gear," and BBC's "Sherlock." Music lovers also got a free holiday serenade with song packages of Maroon 5, Kesha, Lady Gaga, One Direction, Coldplay, among others. Apple also gave away books from Ken Follett, Jo Nesbo, and Lee Child. It also distributed free apps such as those from Sega, Electronics Arts, and Snapseed.
