When do you return an iPhone to the Apple Store within the 15-day limit that Apple does with these phones? Apparently Apple changes the case and sends it a replacement device. But it's impossible for Apple to change a complete case for a micro scratch, right? Is there a chance that these products will be resold new? This could explain why some new products have defects out of the box.

What happens to these devices?

So i bought this phone on Nov 6, in person from Apple store (not order pickup), paid in full no carrier finance. I was informed at the time that will be within holiday return policy (up to January 8). Was using it, then Weeks later I bought another iPhone in purple color and decide I will return the gold one later. Days ago I went to same Apple store, to return iPhone gold. After they scan the receipt, employee says they getting a message that wont allow the return (pic attached). They said they dont know specifics, just that they cant process, and refer me to call Apple directly. They know return date is still valid.

I call Apple, they said theres no block to this phone serial number. And refer me back to store since this was a in-store order(not online).

So i feel im getting the run around with little info. Anyone had similar situation or insights what to check next?

I have attached pic of Apple store device showing the message after scanning receipt

So people say they’re buying new iPhones then returning them?! Some even dented .. what do they do with the returns used? Repack and sell them as new?! Seems odd you could buy a phone as new and it’s someone else’s return ?!

Body text. Though there isn’t anything technically wrong with the device, I’d like to swap it out for another.

I bought a phone that I initiated to return as I don’t like the model.

Apple gave me 14 days from the date of initiating the return to return it by mail. Can I keep service on the phone I’m returning and still use until I return it several days by now (won’t be able to do it until then and don’t have anyone to do it for me) even though it will be past the initial 14 days? I’m waiting for another model to arrive from another company to transfer service

Spoke with an Apple customer service rep who said that an in-store purchase can be returned for up to 30 days with no issue and that every Apple Store would honor this.

I purchased an iPhone 16 Pro a couple weeks ago just to try out the smaller size before I decided which 17 Pro to order (been using the Max for years). I totally forgot that the phones are only available for pre-order at first though, so needed a little extra time on my current device. I’ll return it after I switch everything over from the new one.

Either way I’m fine because I have the recorded call confirming I’m good. Just curious about everyone else’s experience.

What happens to iPhones that are returned to apple within the 14-day period? Are they sold as refurbished?

What happens to their IMEI #s? Are they changed to a new IMEI?

For all my life, I was a Windows and Samsung user. It all started when my Z Flip1 broke a few months back and I desperately needed a phone as an international Postgraduate student in the UK. I needed a phone with reliable warranty provision. My Z Flip 1 despite still being in warranty was not eligible for a free repair simply because it was purchased in my home country Malaysia hence the device and warranty being region locked.

Out of curiosity I walked into an Apple Store one day and was reassured that their warranties are international. I placed an order online for an iPhone 14 Pro, got buyers remorse when I felt unhappy with the small screen and dynamic island protruding further into the usable screen space. Returned the 14 Pro, got a 14 Plus thinking all I needed was a bigger screen and can skimp out on the rest, but the 60hz on such a big screen became unbearable for me (coming from a gaming laptop which I daily drive with 120hz). AGAIN, I returned it and got myself a 14 Pro Max as a long-term investment and have stuck with it since. Needless to say the Apple Store employees were amazing and extra-sweet to me when they found out that it would be my first iPhone.

Similar story to my laptop, realised the battery life wasn't really keeping up with my use case in Bar school and rarely being around power outlets, I decided that if I was going into the walled garden, I might as well go full in. I don't plan on getting an Apple Watch so the integrated notification system would be nice. Having FaceTime on my computer would be great for long video calling with my long distance partner too. So, a new MacBook for me, and my old gaming laptop would go to my sister who'll be starting college in 2023.

Long story short... I bought the baseline MBP 14" 16/512, realised how often I'm on the go so the 1Tb would make more sense as having an external SSD would be a bad idea given how clumsy and forgetful I am (constantly forgetting things and yes... I have a history of dropping and killing an old external HDD). Went online, bought a 16/1Tb variant... AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. Realised that 16Gb memory isn't exactly the best idea for keeping the device long-term as I intend to hand it down to my family members.

I've easily used the Return option for more than 4 times now (1 for when I got AirPods), and now I'll be returning another 2 MacBooks. Yes, I'm indecisive mostly because I'm currently in the thick of exam preparations and urgently need to make a decision and have a working computer. Spoke to an Apple specialist online, and oh boy Apple and their customer services are amazing. The online specialist told me "I would advise going for a bigger Memory configuration as storage can always be added with external drives."

Have I been abusing Apple's return policy? Maybe, but it is due to this very same policy that led to my purchase of an AirPods Pro 2, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and now a MBP 14" 32/1Tb... all within the span of a year! Even as I shared my worries about having returned too many products, the online specialist reassured me that the return policy exists to ensure that their customers have a product that they are satisfied with. Yes, Apple products do come at a premium but for the first time in a very long time... a multinational company made me feel like they cared.

TLDR: Over the span of 6 months, I returned 2 iPhones, 1 AirPod, and soon another 2 MacBooks. Despite all that, Apple reassured me to take advantage of their return policy and find a product that I'll be happy with. Apple's return policy can be abused... yes, but it matter so much to an indecisive ADHD person who's completely new to Apple products. They make a big online purchase seem so easy and care-free (which in turn leads to increased sales). Pair that with amazing customer service, I now see why Apple has a loyal fanbase.

For example, if someone buys an iPhone… They don't like the color, and they return it (used for 1 week, let's say). What happened there? Does apple put it back to shelves? Or will it be a refurbished unit?

The number of people totally down with, advocating for, and participating in returning laptops is horrifying.

Seems like every post you see some variation of buy the in stock version and return it when your order arrives type of comment, either to skirt delivery times or to test out different spec levels.

Apple in my opinion has an extremely generous return policy for such expensive devices, but everyone should check themselves on how they decide to use/abuse it.

With the frequency I see of this echo chamber’s shouts for abuse, I figure it won’t be long before Apple amends their policy and introduces protections to prevent someone buying a$2k-$5k device only to return it a month or two later when their order arrives.

Did you return your iPhone 15 (any model) why ? And what phone did you have previously?

I just upgraded to the iPhone 17 Pro Max from iPhone 16 Pro and honestly, I’m on the fence about keeping it. The phone is nice, but I can’t shake the feeling that my old one was doing the job just fine. I’m just not noticing a huge difference in day-to-day use, I’m wondering if it’s even worth it.

Is anyone else in the same boat? Have you returned the new iPhone and gone back to your old one? If so, what made you decide it wasn’t worth the switch?

Or if anyone has tips on how to use the iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max to its full potential, I’d love to hear them.

Curious to hear if others are feeling the same or if I just need more time to adjust.

So, to make a long story short yesterday I bought an iPhone 17 from the Apple Store. I also traded in my iPhone 14 Pro Max and was given the full $400 trade in credit. In reality I really wanted to get an Air but just couldn't justify the $200 extra for what one could argue is a very similar phone at the end of the day. However, as if a sign from the heavens I was just given a random bonus of almost $200.

So I would like to return the 17 and get an Air. However, the trade in makes things more complicated/confusing.

An important note on the trade in Apple charged me for the full price of the iPhone 17 and gave me separate charge of $400 back onto my credit card.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has done something similar? Is that $400 basically just my money now or would Apple try to pull a fast one and reverse that?

Long story short yesterday went to the Apple store, traded in an 11 and got $200 credit. Was going to buy a 14 but when informed it was eSim only, I didn’t know if it could be used in a U.S. territory. To be safe we bought the 13 and have had it one day, etc.

Now we find out through testimonial that it CAN be used in the territory with their carriers and eSim is not a problem.

It’s a bit ridiculous but can I go back to the store and swap it for a 14 considering it’s only 80 more dollars than the 13?

Thanks

I bought yesterday an iPhone 16 pro at the apple store but I made the mistake of not seeing that I chose the 128gb version, I opened the box and that's when I noticed I bought the wrong version, is there any chance to return the phone or get the 256 version plus the difference I need to pay?

Hi everyone!

Bought a new iPhone 12 Pro Max at full price on launch day. I ended up returning it by mailing it to the address on the prepaid label in Tennessee. FedEx tracking shows it was delivered this past Monday and signed for.

It’s probably too soon to start being concerned that my refund hasn’t been issued yet, but my return status through the Apple Store app doesn’t even acknowledge yet that it was received by FedEx, much less received by Apple.

Anyone know what the turnaround time for refunds is, and if this is abnormal?

Thank you!

I've tried googling this question a 100 million ways to find the answer, but could only find a reddit thread from six years ago so apologies if this is a repetitive question for the subreddit... I got the iPhone 17 Pro through the iPhone Upgrade Program, but I'm itching to exchange it for the iPhone Air instead.. How does the process work? I originally traded in my iPhone 15 Pro… will I still get credit for it?

Looking to hear other people’s experiences dealing with this situation

I decided that I want to exchange my iPhone 15 for a second time.

First return was to go from Pro to Pro Max.

Second time now will be to go from Pro Max Black to Pro Max Natural.

Will there be any issue at all with me returning an iPhone 15 for a second time?

I’ve had my iPhone air since release. I’ve been an iPhone user since the original was released in 2007, typically upgrading every 1-2 years, and I’ve never had second thoughts about a purchase. However, the battery life on the air is just not enough for me.

I’m typically taking the phone off charger around 6am, and while sometimes I have some juice left when I go to bed around 11pm or so, many times it’s on low battery mode, or I have to top it off. I wouldn’t consider myself a power user, but I use my phone consistently throughout the day. The battery is at 100% capacity, and it’s struggling to keep up with my needs. It’s hard to imagine what it would be like at 90% capacity.

When I couple the battery issues with the camera deficiencies and the single speaker, I’m left regretting my purchase. I do make calls on speaker sometimes, and the single speaker can make it hard to hear the person on the other end. I do like the form factor, and that is why I gave it a shot, but to have dramatically better battery/camera/speaker for only $100 more with the pro, I will be returning my air and purchasing the pro. I will miss having a lighter phone, but the tradeoffs on performance are simply not worth it.