Do you need an Apple ID to download apps? The answer is yes. Apple requires an ID and login for free apps, as well as for purchases. This is to ensure the quality and security of applications, as well as to link purchases to the ID and transfer them to any device where you have signed in with that ID. There are alternative versions, such as Tutu Helper and iOS Emu, that allow you to download apps without having to enter your Apple ID.
When configuring a device, you can create an Apple ID. If you already have an iPhone or iPad, you probably already have one. It's not necessary to help you recover an existing ID. The iTunes Store, App Store, iBookstore and Mac App Store all require a credit card for account creation.
However, if you're in Japan, there's no payment option. It's understandable that some people may feel paranoid about creating an Apple ID. But it's just an account for using Apple services and it's not like you're giving up your soul. Other app stores, such as Google Play Store and Amazon, also require logins.
Apple hasn't said why they require an Apple ID for free apps, so it's against the terms of use of this forum to speculate on their reasons. However, it's likely because it links the application to a user rather than a device, so that users can use the app indefinitely no matter how many Apple devices they buy over the years. If you don't want to create an Apple ID, there are alternative versions that allow you to download apps without having to enter your information. Tutu Helper acts like the same tool as the Apple Store and allows you to easily download any application without having to enter your Apple ID and password information. iOS Emu is another application that has been designed to help you install different types of applications on your devices without asking for your Apple ID. Apple's app developer community has created more than 775,000 apps for various Apple products around the world and has spent billions of dollars on them.
While the App Store ecosystem may be restrictive, it is so that Apple can ensure the quality and security of applications. In conclusion, yes, you need an Apple ID to download apps from the App Store. This is to ensure data security and link purchases to the user rather than the device. However, there are alternative versions that allow you to download apps without having to enter your information.
