Didn't read the product warranty coverage and then expected something you were not gong to get.
Shame on you.
Don't worry though, that warranty coverage statement was written by a lawyer just like you... You should be proud.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple replacing defective Iphones with refurbished (used)
- Thread starter attorneyseda
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Didn't read the product warranty coverage and then expected something you were not gong to get.
Shame on you.
Don't worry though, that warranty coverage statement was written by a lawyer just like you... You should be proud.
Most companies would just fix your phone and make you wait while it got repaired and they'd only warranty the repair, not the device, for a little bit past the repair time, they wouldn't extend your device's warranty past the original warranty. Not to mention since they always put a new battery in the refurbs and a new case, you are getting a pretty new phone. My roommate got lucky this way (he wasn't trying to take advantage) when a button broke and he got his damaged iphone replaced (the button was a warranty thing but he had dropped it pretty hard and it was banged up. His new phone had a nice shiney new body).
Most electronics have a 90 days warranty period from new. Apple will keep your warranty to a year or 60 days past the refurb they give you if the year will be up before 90 days after you get the refurb (I know, I got a refurb replacement a month before the year was up after I got mine due to a bad home button).
Honestly, I think they're pretty generous.
Question
So I have a question. Most people state that Apple has the best warranty replacement policy compared to other companies and whatnot. I've heard exclusively on here and other places that on remanufactured devices, Apple will replace the front, back and battery as well as do rigorous testing on the refurb device, so therefore it is superior than a new iPhone. However, I've never actually seen any documentation to back this up. Can anyone point me to any documentation or link that confirms that this is in fact what happens?
Secondly, I've had my iPhone 4S replaces 2x for various audio issues. The 1st time the employee stated that because the device was so new (Dec 2011) it was most likely a new iPhone. The 2nd time (March 2012) the employee stated that it was definitely a new device because Apple doesn't use refurbs until the device has been discontinued. And I always seem to get a different spill from them if I randomly ask someone when I'm in store. So what is the real truth behind warranty replacements? And, documentation to back that up?
Thanks!
So I have a question. Most people state that Apple has the best warranty replacement policy compared to other companies and whatnot. I've heard exclusively on here and other places that on remanufactured devices, Apple will replace the front, back and battery as well as do rigorous testing on the refurb device, so therefore it is superior than a new iPhone. However, I've never actually seen any documentation to back this up. Can anyone point me to any documentation or link that confirms that this is in fact what happens?
Secondly, I've had my iPhone 4S replaces 2x for various audio issues. The 1st time the employee stated that because the device was so new (Dec 2011) it was most likely a new iPhone. The 2nd time (March 2012) the employee stated that it was definitely a new device because Apple doesn't use refurbs until the device has been discontinued. And I always seem to get a different spill from them if I randomly ask someone when I'm in store. So what is the real truth behind warranty replacements? And, documentation to back that up?
Thanks!
Me too. I have same problems with replacement of not working iphone. Everyone says not to worry that Apple used phones are good. Should I buy a used-refurbish phone instead of new one?
I'm pretty sure my receipts have indicated that my replacement phone wasn't new. You used to be able to tell by the serial number if a device was refurbished or not, I'm not sure if that's still true with the new format.
Their warranty certainly allows them to use refurbished parts:
http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/iphone.pdf
I sure as hell would...also, what did you cut off there? 6 letter word, can be accessed from your pocket...Big toes? Wee bit?
Replacing defective products with factory refurbished units is not limited to the mobile phone world, it is in fact standard practice in all areas of technology and perhaps other industries as well.
If you phone was within the initial return window then its likely you would have been able to get it exchanged for a new unit. Refurbished units are as already mentioned fully inspected and thoroughly tested even more stringently than new products which roll down the factory line at such a pace that they do batch inspections.
I purchased AppleCare+ specifically for the protection it provides against damage or defect for 2 years (limited to 2 replacements). Even if you chose your wireless carrier insurance like Asurion you would get a refurbished unit.
It is unlikely you will get any traction on the legal path but as we know anyone can sue anyone for anything in the US. Lawyers will gladly take the money.
If you phone was within the initial return window then its likely you would have been able to get it exchanged for a new unit. Refurbished units are as already mentioned fully inspected and thoroughly tested even more stringently than new products which roll down the factory line at such a pace that they do batch inspections.
I purchased AppleCare+ specifically for the protection it provides against damage or defect for 2 years (limited to 2 replacements). Even if you chose your wireless carrier insurance like Asurion you would get a refurbished unit.
It is unlikely you will get any traction on the legal path but as we know anyone can sue anyone for anything in the US. Lawyers will gladly take the money.
Many people have responded to your concern. We know by reading the warranty information that Apple may replace parts or whole phones with refurbished models. And then you are complaining that they did not extend your warranty on the product. Your asking us to get all up in arms regarding these issue, and yet, it seems that no one is.
Perhaps if you spent less time worrying about that someone might have touched and played with your toys, gadgets, and "......". You might actually understand the fact that Apple gave you a phone that works, better than the one, which it replaced. Isn't that the point here. You brought a phone in because it didn't work to your standards and they replaced it. You have neglected to say whether the phone has any problems, but knowing the refurbs I have purchased in the past, I would expect it to be working well.
If you put a service replacement iPhone next to a new, out of the box iPhone, you would absolutely not be able to tell the difference. It's not like you're going to get some iPhone with makeup stains and hair all over it from a previous owner. Apple could straight up lie to you about where your replacement came from and you would have no idea.
And as for a new iPhone being better than a refurb/remanufactured one, wasn't it a brand new iPhone that needed replacing?
And as for a new iPhone being better than a refurb/remanufactured one, wasn't it a brand new iPhone that needed replacing?
I think it's a crappy warranty policy if the device is less then a year old. I just had a refrigerator replaced under warranty and it was new. My Samsung TV was warrantied an i got a new one. My step bothers galaxy nexus was replaced with a new one. Now that I think about I've never warrantied anything and got a refurb one. So I can see why this would surprise someone.
A good warranty is something like Glock provides. Usually doesn't matter how old it is you end up getting a new one years after original purchase. This happened for me on a 9 year handgun that developed a stress crack in the slide. Sent it in and got a new one no questions asked. Now that's an impressive warranty.
A good warranty is something like Glock provides. Usually doesn't matter how old it is you end up getting a new one years after original purchase. This happened for me on a 9 year handgun that developed a stress crack in the slide. Sent it in and got a new one no questions asked. Now that's an impressive warranty.
Apple refurbished units normally have replaced batteries, new back, and possibly new glass if it isn't part of the screen. The only things that normally remain the same is the mainboard unless there is a problem. You can check in with an Apple Genius that is a little more loose lipped. This is standard practice for Apple since it's better than most other electronics warranties.
So long story short, I used to buy Sony electronics. Their standard practice for warranty repairs normally included charging you $150-200 for replacement parts and then they wipe your hard drive and then return the original computer with maybe some stickers or some scratches for your added annoyance. It was pretty bad back then. You also had to wait for about 2 weeks for the device to come back. Apple's warranty will cover your device for a year for free which means no added costs. You can also get a refurb unit almost immediately which is quite good.
One of my other products which is a durable product has a lifetime warranty so they normally send me completely new ones when my originals break. This would be my Shure E5Cs. While they are much simpler, they are pretty expensive and the $500 price tag covers lifetime warranty so it's a great product. Apple can't do such a warranty due to the product as well as the cost of producing a new unit. It's also seen as not "Green" to not offer refurbished units.
@cynics
So yeah, for a Glock, they pretty much have to give you a new one. A handgun like a G22 or G23 with a stress fracture or any malfunctioning part will directly lead to your potential death. It's completely different from an electronic device which won't have the same potential impact. I like that Glock does that though. They can also melt down your old gun too.
So long story short, I used to buy Sony electronics. Their standard practice for warranty repairs normally included charging you $150-200 for replacement parts and then they wipe your hard drive and then return the original computer with maybe some stickers or some scratches for your added annoyance. It was pretty bad back then. You also had to wait for about 2 weeks for the device to come back. Apple's warranty will cover your device for a year for free which means no added costs. You can also get a refurb unit almost immediately which is quite good.
One of my other products which is a durable product has a lifetime warranty so they normally send me completely new ones when my originals break. This would be my Shure E5Cs. While they are much simpler, they are pretty expensive and the $500 price tag covers lifetime warranty so it's a great product. Apple can't do such a warranty due to the product as well as the cost of producing a new unit. It's also seen as not "Green" to not offer refurbished units.
@cynics
So yeah, for a Glock, they pretty much have to give you a new one. A handgun like a G22 or G23 with a stress fracture or any malfunctioning part will directly lead to your potential death. It's completely different from an electronic device which won't have the same potential impact. I like that Glock does that though. They can also melt down your old gun too.
Apple's refurbished devices only reuse the inner parts. They replace the user-facing (visible) parts and the battery with brand new parts. So it's not a big deal.
There won't be any scratches on the outside because that part is new, and the battery life will be perfect.
There won't be any scratches on the outside because that part is new, and the battery life will be perfect.
Why draw the line at a year?
What about those with an extended warranty?
And what the heck is so special about new? As someone else pointed out the new ones are the defective ones, right?
Refurbished is not the same as used.
A new product is assembled, tested, and a defect or failure is observed.
That product is not destroyed. It goes back onto the assembly line and is reworked, and retested.
When it pops out the other end most consumer protection laws would have the product labeled as refurbished remanufactured.
If you are purchasing a used phone from a carrier or vendor other then Apple you are most likely going to get someone else's, dirt, scratches, and a reduced capacity consumable, like a battery.
And that's ok just as long as you understand what you are getting upfront.
Apple is very clear with their warranty terms.
They even allow you to return it within a 14 day window for any reason.
I returned an original 3G, phone, charger, sync cable, ear buds and box for a defective Bluetooth radio.
Since it was less then 14 days I received a new shrink wrapped box, phone, accessories and serial number. Warranty started all over again with the new serial.
As far as home appliances and firearm those examples are apples and oranges.
One is all about in field labour costs exceeding replacement. The other is about product liability.
I am just going to point out to you replacing a warranty replacement item with a refurbished unit is a standard acceptable practices. Every one does it that way.
Of times refurbished units are ones that have been sent in for warranty issues and they repair it and put them in the refurbished pile.
The refurb iPhone I received when I had issues with my old 3G was in pristine condition, better than the handset I handed in.
I have zero issues with having new hardware replaced with an Apple refurb unit.
I have zero issues with having new hardware replaced with an Apple refurb unit.
Another one. Yippee!
Apple replaces your USED (broken) product with a refurbished product (that you can't even TELL is refurbished) and you are going to sue.
Bravo... good luck with that...
You have 30 days to get a NEW one if yours is defective out of the box. If that time expires you get one that 99.9% of people would never think is even "refurb" let alnoe not brand new.
I'm sorry but it's getting really really pathetic the way entitled people think they are owed something just because it's what they want.
Bye!
Apple replaces your USED (broken) product with a refurbished product (that you can't even TELL is refurbished) and you are going to sue.
Bravo... good luck with that...
You have 30 days to get a NEW one if yours is defective out of the box. If that time expires you get one that 99.9% of people would never think is even "refurb" let alnoe not brand new.
I'm sorry but it's getting really really pathetic the way entitled people think they are owed something just because it's what they want.
Bye!