Apple replacing defective Iphones with refurbished (used)

[thekev]

For that matter, you also complained about the warranty in your first post and how it's not extended for the new phone... if it were, what would stop people from continually trading in their phones on the last day and keep it under warranty indefinitely?

Sometimes companies will bump it to ensure a replacement or repair is covered for 60 or 90 days outside of a repair, but I don't see this happening early in a warranty period. It would make sense for replacement policies to dictate new within X days of purchase. The OP's complaint seemed to be that he just bought the new one. On similar products, we do sometimes see new replacements within 30 days. With an ipad you could just return the thing within 15 days or get a new one (as people on here have already done). With the iphone, they don't seem to retail refurbished ones in the US. I don't know if they do in countries where they aren't subsidized.

 

[attorneyseda]

Friends, I thank all of you for your observations.

I am left with the impression from some of your observations that I am better off not buying a new Apple product, but, instead, I should purchase the used or refurbished version!

Just remember that defective products can cause harm and injury as well as loss time and waste of resources. The way a company treats its obvious problems indicates to me the way it will treat a hidden problem.

Kindly note that my first Apple computer was purchased in 1984. Before that I bought the Sinclair QL and other devices. I may have been spoiled by the quality that existed with Apple (and Walmart while Walton was runnning it!) and need now to downgrade my expectations or to seek a new provider.

Caveat Emptor.

 

[wpotere]

He probably thought they throw away all the defective ones and just keep replacing defective units with brand new ones.
Yeah right
Some people think the universe revolves around them...

You mean it doesn't revolve around me?

----------

Friends, I thank all of you for your observations.

I am left with the impression from some of your observations that I am better off not buying a new Apple product, but, instead, I should purchase the used or refurbished version!

Just remember that defective products can cause harm and injury as well as loss time and waste of resources. The way a company treats its obvious problems indicates to me the way it will treat a hidden problem.

Kindly note that my first Apple computer was purchased in 1984. Before that I bought the Sinclair QL and other devices. I may have been spoiled by the quality that existed with Apple (and Walmart while Walton was runnning it!) and need now to downgrade my expectations or to seek a new provider.

Caveat Emptor.

Seriously? Wow, and you are a lawyer? Apple hasn't treated you poorly at all. They are giving you a unit that was built with new parts where needed and then tested. The only way I can see you getting a "new" phone is if you are in your 14 day return period. After that, suck it up and join the rest of us.

 

[Applejuiced]

You mean it doesn't revolve around me?

Lol
It depends, if you're not on the same universe as the OP above

 

[SurferMan]

Friends, I thank all of you for your observations.

I am left with the impression from some of your observations that I am better off not buying a new Apple product, but, instead, I should purchase the used or refurbished version!

Just remember that defective products can cause harm and injury as well as loss time and waste of resources. The way a company treats its obvious problems indicates to me the way it will treat a hidden problem.

Kindly note that my first Apple computer was purchased in 1984. Before that I bought the Sinclair QL and other devices. I may have been spoiled by the quality that existed with Apple (and Walmart while Walton was runnning it!) and need now to downgrade my expectations or to seek a new provider.

Caveat Emptor.

If your a lawyer I would hate to have you represent anything.

I don't know what your not getting, you act like this is something new... HELLO, Apple has replaced "new" items with "refurbs/remanufactured" for years and years and years. Same with basically any other company. Guess what, one of my MBP's was replaced by Apple with... wait for it... a refurb ... no issues since.

I don't know where else your going to go for a provider since anyone in the electronics industry does this as standard practice

 

[Jordan921]

I bought my first apple computer in 1984. Since then I have purchased more than 20 Apple devices including 4 Iphones. In addition, other family members and companies I have been with have purchased large numbers of Apple devices.

My relatively new 4s had a manufactures’ defective (according to ATT who inspected the phone) and Apple refused to replace it except with a "refurbished" device with no additional warranty protection extending forward the one year that a new device should have.

I spent two hours arguing the point with Apple store manager and then with several levels of Apple corporate representatives in the CEO's offices.

I have read other user comments including one in which the Iphone replaced with a refurbished unit was only a few days old. Is this the same company that bragged about quality and customer loyalty?

Shame on you Apple!

Crawl out from under that rock you've been living under. Not only Apple does this. I don't get why you would expect a new item for your old item. Refurbs work just fine.

 

[s15119]

I bought my first apple computer in 1984. Since then I have purchased more than 20 Apple devices including 4 Iphones. In addition, other family members and companies I have been with have purchased large numbers of Apple devices.

My relatively new 4s had a manufactures’ defective (according to ATT who inspected the phone) and Apple refused to replace it except with a "refurbished" device with no additional warranty protection extending forward the one year that a new device should have.

I spent two hours arguing the point with Apple store manager and then with several levels of Apple corporate representatives in the CEO's offices.

I have read other user comments including one in which the Iphone replaced with a refurbished unit was only a few days old. Is this the same company that bragged about quality and customer loyalty?

Shame on you Apple!

Photo or it didn't happen. Your lack of logic and the fact you just joined to post this today after 28 years of alleged Apple use, make me suspect the whole deal.

 

[Applejuiced]

Photo or it didn't happen. Your lack of logic and the fact you just joined to post this today after 28 years of alleged Apple use, make me suspect the whole deal.

There's no way he's an attorney either as his handle suggests or he'd have a clue and some common sense.
He also expects a whole new 1 year of warranty for every time he gets his product replaced where its clearly stated you get a full year warranty from the original purchase date.
A lawyer would at least understand that. I think he just joined to post nonsense.

 

[attorneyseda]

Nice crowd. Instead of looking at the issue - defective phones being replaced by used phones - you attack the poster. Maybe you guys work for Apple?

What I am is not relevant. What I report is.

I hope that you do not have the occassion to come crying to an attorney for help when a defective product causes you injury. Maybe the jurors will laugh at you when they hear that a phone cut your ...... off when you sat down and the glass face broke and conclude you should have known better than to carry your phone in your pocket!

To everyone else, Cheers!

 

[Jordan921]

Nice crowd. Instead of looking at the issue - defective phones being replaced by used phones - you attack the poster. Maybe you guys work for Apple?

What I am is not relevant. What I report is.

I hope that you do not have the occassion to come crying to an attorney for help when a defective product causes you injury. Maybe the jurors will laugh at you when they hear that a phone cut your ...... off when you sat down and the glass face broke and conclude you should have known better than to carry your phone in your pocket!

To everyone else, Cheers!

You really think Motorola, Samsung and HTC replaces their phones with new ones? Again crawl out from under that rock you've lived under.

 

[MTI]

Nice crowd. Instead of looking at the issue - defective phones being replaced by used phones - you attack the poster. Maybe you guys work for Apple?

What I am is not relevant. What I report is.

I hope that you do not have the occassion to come crying to an attorney for help when a defective product causes you injury. Maybe the jurors will laugh at you when they hear that a phone cut your ...... off when you sat down and the glass face broke and conclude you should have known better than to carry your phone in your pocket!

To everyone else, Cheers!

Counselor, may I suggest that you drop the attitude and defensiveness? First, you have not established what, if anything, is legally or contractually wrong with the procedure. As an astute legally trained mind, isn't that where the issue begins?

Do you have a contract term or provision which would support your claim? Or are you merely suggesting "how it should be?"

Second, common practices in the marketplace, in the absence of a specific contract provision to the contrary, would certainly be relevant to defend any breach claim, based on any equitable challenge, which you suggest.

Then sir, what would be your measure of damages? The refurbished phone is clearly a fungible good, one swappable with another . . . so you would be making a claim for the "luster of new?"

 

[lordofthereef]

I am left with the impression from some of your observations that I am better off not buying a new Apple product, but, instead, I should purchase the used or refurbished version!

How on earth did you come to this conclusion?

 

[scaredpoet]

Nice crowd. Instead of looking at the issue - defective phones being replaced by used phones - you attack the poster.

We don't attack posters. We call them out when s/he is using hyperbole and inaccuracies to bolster their shaky claim.

I'm sure that a proper lawyer would know the distinct difference there is between a "used" item and a "refurbished" one.

And considering that Apple makes it clear in documentation that you know you should have read that replacement with refurbished gear is possible, this is a non-issue.

Maybe you guys work for Apple?

That's a poor retort, commonly proffered by individuals who know they're on shaky ground.

Anyway, Apple would fire any employee who posts here and makes themselves known.

What I am is not relevant. What I report is.

What you report is nothing new, and accepted industry practice.

http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/products/iphone-english.html

If during the Warranty Period you submit a valid claim to Apple or an AASP, Apple will, at its option, (i) repair the Apple Product using new or previously used parts that are equivalent to new in performance and reliability, (ii) replace the Apple Product with a product that is at least functionally equivalent to the Apple Product and is formed from new and/or previously used parts that are equivalent to new in performance and reliability, or (iii) exchange the Apple Product for a refund of your purchase price.

I hope that you do not have the occassion to come crying to an attorney for help when a defective product causes you injury.

I hope I don't either. No one should wish bad things on other people.

But if I SHOULD have a need for an attorney, I will be certain to vet them for competence, a solid track record, demonstrates good moral character, and an ability to read fine print.

Maybe the jurors will laugh at you when they hear that a phone cut your ...... off when you sat down and the glass face broke and conclude you should have known better than to carry your phone in your pocket!

That's a pretty serious allegation, there. Do you have evidence to support that an iPhone is likely to injure someone in this way?

 

[wpotere]

If this guy is a lawyer, then I am an astronaut....

 

[blairh]

I bought my first apple computer in 1984. Since then I have purchased more than 20 Apple devices including 4 Iphones. In addition, other family members and companies I have been with have purchased large numbers of Apple devices.

My relatively new 4s had a manufactures’ defective (according to ATT who inspected the phone) and Apple refused to replace it except with a "refurbished" device with no additional warranty protection extending forward the one year that a new device should have.

I spent two hours arguing the point with Apple store manager and then with several levels of Apple corporate representatives in the CEO's offices.

I have read other user comments including one in which the Iphone replaced with a refurbished unit was only a few days old. Is this the same company that bragged about quality and customer loyalty?

Shame on you Apple!

You're insane. I had a defective 3G iPhone back in 2009. Less than a year after purchasing new. I was given a refurb by a 'Genius' and it had its own issues. I then went through 2 additional refurbs in the next 2 weeks. (All with their own issues.) In every instance the 'Genius' was able to replicate my issue and kindly gave me a new refurb. By the third refurb, I calmly told a 'Genius' (and a store manager) that if this fourth iPhone failed me then I'd really like a brand new 3GS (the latest iPhone at the time). The manager agreed (he felt bad about my bad luck with refurbs) and I went on my way. Never had to raise my voice, have a fight with anyone, etc. That refurb gave me no issues and I later sold it on Craigslist when I got my iPhone 4 the following summer.

I have no issue whatsoever with Apple giving their customers refurbs as long as the iPhone has no problems associated with it. The reality is that if they hand you a refurb, and it fails in any way while you are still under your original warranty, you really have no problems ahead of you. Apple will still provide you with service while you are under warranty.

I think you are crazy to argue for hours with anyone at Apple. Just take your refurb and be on your way knowing you have a (hopefully) working iPhone in your hands.

 

[ARH1956]

I bought my first apple computer in 1984. Since then I have purchased more than 20 Apple devices including 4 Iphones. In addition, other family members and companies I have been with have purchased large numbers of Apple devices.

My relatively new 4s had a manufactures’ defective (according to ATT who inspected the phone) and Apple refused to replace it except with a "refurbished" device with no additional warranty protection extending forward the one year that a new device should have.

I spent two hours arguing the point with Apple store manager and then with several levels of Apple corporate representatives in the CEO's offices.

I have read other user comments including one in which the Iphone replaced with a refurbished unit was only a few days old. Is this the same company that bragged about quality and customer loyalty?

Shame on you Apple!

Concerning the portion of your post I "highlighted in red"; even if you were given a new iPhone as a replacement the original warranty date would most likely have still been in effect.

 

[gnasher729]

My relatively new 4s had a manufactures’ defective (according to ATT who inspected the phone) and Apple refused to replace it except with a "refurbished" device with no additional warranty protection extending forward the one year that a new device should have.

Your phone wasn't new, it was "relatively new". Apple should put you into the same condition as if the phone never had had any defect. What they actually offered was a phone that was newer than your phone, and exactly the same warranty that you had before. What makes you think you should get more?

 

[cambookpro]

Nice crowd. Instead of looking at the issue - defective phones being replaced by used phones - you attack the poster. Maybe you guys work for Apple?

What I am is not relevant. What I report is.

I hope that you do not have the occassion to come crying to an attorney for help when a defective product causes you injury. Maybe the jurors will laugh at you when they hear that a phone cut your ...... off when you sat down and the glass face broke and conclude you should have known better than to carry your phone in your pocket!

To everyone else, Cheers!

Issue? I see no issue.

Basically, you can trade in your defective iPhone for a TESTED, COSMETICALLY PERFECT, WORKING iPhone for free? Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

Plus, it's as easy as walking into an Apple Store and exchanging it on the spot. I see no Samsung or Nokia stores to do that in. Either you're a very good, must I say, troll, or you're stupid.

I've had refurbed iPhones, Macs, iPods, heck even Airport Expresses replaced with refurbs, and none have blown up and fried me with the boiling shards of glass that you describe.

Good day.

 

[thelatinist]

Why on earth do you think Apple should replace someone's used iPhone with a brand new one?

 

[Pez555]

So they should replace a used product with a new one? Refurbs are the same if not better quality than new phones, the only difference is the box. I'm surprised after owning Aple products for 28 years you've never had to exchange something before, but there you go.

this.

OP, nothing on the outside of the phone is or has been used....Apple replace the externals with new parts (screen, backplate, antenna band etc...), the only part that is refurbished is the part that has been replaced inside the phone that was defective.

In my experience 'refurbished' units are better than new anyway...

 

[wpotere]

"Reports of exploding iPhones" - yes. "Verified reports of exploding iPhones" - no.

He is a troll... Just registered and posts just like the attorney. Me thinks they are one in the same.

 

[Sketchr]

Yep, all companies do this which is exactly why I don't buy "insurance" for these electronics products. I'd rather take a chance and replace it with new if it breaks. I can't accept forking over extra funds each month only to receive a used/abused POS if an unfortunate incident occurs.

 

[DroidRules]

Shame on you Apple!

In other news, water is wet.

... My intent is to provide information for others who can make an informed decision in their next purchase.

I think you're the only one that needed the info to make an "informed" decisions. The rest of us already knew that info.

 

[ixodes]

I bought my first apple computer in 1984.

I spent two hours arguing the point with Apple store manager and then with several levels of Apple corporate representatives in the CEO's offices.

While it took many years before you became acquainted with Apple's industry standard practice, at least now you know.

Had you read the terms of the warranty in 1984, this would be no surprise. Refurbished replacements are the norm in every sector of electronics, computers, new car audio systems, and the list goes on and on.*

I've received warranty refurbs from Apple in exchange for defective originals, therefore I've got first hand experience.

If I didn't know any different I'd of thought they were brand new. That's how thorough Apple is.

It's just one more reason I remain a very satisfied, long term Apple customer.

 

[GoCubsGo]

This just in, my dog snores loud.