Please explain how a refurbished unit could be better than a new unit. Give ONE example. Sheesh.
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Class Action Lawsuit Against Apple for Offering Refurbished Replacement Devices Under AppleCare Moves Forward
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Probably because it wasn’t presented to them in a fancy new box with plastic wrap they got mad. They saw it come out of a replacement category brown box and made them feel second class to their narcissistic image of themselves.
From an environmental perspective if people cared they wouldn’t buy a phone every 1-2 years. And if Apple cared they wouldn’t release a new iphone with marginal improvements every single year, perpetuating this mentality. They’d also make it easier for small repair shops to do their work and replace batteries. Not make it increasingly difficult. Hell, if they truly cared, they’d make the battery user replacable.. but I understand not wanting to make that compromise because of design or waterproofing. (Though not on Laptops, which they do actively make very hard to replace..)
So yeah, I don’t swallow that “omg how disgusting” mentality when I see all of that. When I see Apple taking measure against the environment while also touting how they recycle everything and make phones from recycled aluminum.. that means little when they take measures against it in other means. And when such a large portion of your costumers just don’t care or know about how or when to properly dispose and recycle their devices.
You think every city in the world has an Apple store? Where they will recycle every component of an iphone? They don’t.
Used <> refurbished. Apple’s refurbish processes are remarkably thorough, and must restore the device to original condition from both an operating and cosmetic perspective. The battery is replaced, the casing and screen are replaced, etc. such that the only sign of the equipment not being new is the fact that it comes in a plain box with a refurbished part number. The warranty provided reflects this, offering a full year from the date of purchase and the ability to be extended via Apple Care. So, these devices are, if anything, much more likely to be problem-free than ones fresh from the factory. This lawsuit is the only thing that represents a money grab here.
I can attest that their refurb quality is pretty poor. I've had two iPhone 8+ replacements under Applecare and both have been flawed. One had a crooked home button and this last one has gaps so big in the front glass you can slide a piece of paper underneath it.
Standard industry practice. You handed them a used phone so you get one back most of the time.
Not mine, it has back glass bulging out do much that you can see it and feel it the the fingernail. How do I know if it’s water resistant for example?
You’d be surprised just how many customers care about stupid **** like this.
I remember a customer arguing that we (phone store) had to provide a “new” phone in store out of a new box. Despite the fact we were not Apple and the Apple store was literally a 2 min walk way. Also wasn’t DOA.
A new right out of the box device could be DOA, seen it a few times at the store, then the customer right next to that person gets a refurb, opens it and it works.
NIB doesn’t guarantee perfection.
You think 10-15% savings on current-model refurbs is a "steep discount"? Matter of perspective I guess.
Even so - "like new" != "new" - while refurbs are indistinguishable from new, but they aren't technically new, and that matters to some people who care about intangible aspects such as that, so the items are discounted slightly. Good deal for those of us who care more about function than intangibles.
My armchair opinion is this is just another BS lawsuit wasting time and money with the lawyers being the only folks benefiting.
The language may be clear... the definition is not.
This lawsuit is going to reveal some interesting things about what Apple calls "equivalent to new". I doubt that the lawsuit will be immediately dismissed. It will move on to the discovery phase where Apple will be required to provide any documentation (internal as well as published) related to "equivalent to new".
Apple uses both "refurbished" and "equivalent to new" in their public-facing documentation. Apple is going to need to provide evidence to show how those two terms differ or why they use two different terms if they are synonyms.
People who claim that refurbed Apple devices are of higher quality than new Apple devices base that claim on their belief that Apple is being truthful in what they say (or make a positive interpretation of vague terms used by Apple to describe the refurb process).
Both Apple fans and critics alike should welcome this lawsuit. If Apple is as up-n-up as the fans believe, then this lawsuit will prove it... and critics won't have to be distrustful of AC+ or refurbed devices. If Apple isn't, then fans will have a better understanding of what is really going on.
Let's review what Apple exactly says in the terms of service for Applecare+ in context. They haven't changed the language.
"Apple will either: (i) repair the defect at no charge, using new parts or parts that are equivalent to new in performance and reliability, or (ii) exchange the Covered Equipment with a replacement product that is new or equivalent to new in performance and reliability. All replacement products provided under this Plan will at a minimum be functionally equivalent to the original product."
Of course, the HB lawyer's web page didn't mention, "a replacement product that is new or equivalent to new" In fact, if you google "equivalent to new" -apple warranty, you'll see nearly a million results, ergo it's industry-standard boilerplate warranty verbiage. If this lawsuit is won, these HB lawyers will have a lifetime career going forward.
"Apple will either: (i) repair the defect at no charge, using new parts or parts that are equivalent to new in performance and reliability, or (ii) exchange the Covered Equipment with a replacement product that is new or equivalent to new in performance and reliability. All replacement products provided under this Plan will at a minimum be functionally equivalent to the original product."
Of course, the HB lawyer's web page didn't mention, "a replacement product that is new or equivalent to new" In fact, if you google "equivalent to new" -apple warranty, you'll see nearly a million results, ergo it's industry-standard boilerplate warranty verbiage. If this lawsuit is won, these HB lawyers will have a lifetime career going forward.
They definitely do not give brand new devices. My husband had his phone replaced three times. Every replacement with a problem. First had glue coming out from around the screen. The second had the home button stop working. Now the most recent. 6 months ago. The battery is now swelling. Pulling the screen away from the casing. Apple is saying he has to pay to replace the whole device now that his AppleCare+ is up. I argued that they guarantee their batteries for 500 cycles. They said since it’s a replacement the phone is only covered for 3 months. So they clearly do not think their replacement devices are good quality because they don’t even stand behind them with the basic 1 year warranty like a new phone. I am very upset with their customer service as of right now. His battery is reading 59% health, swelling. The phone is “new” as of this past March. Anyone else experience such issues? I hope this moves forward and Apple is made to provide new devices or at least made to support them for the basic one year as you are now starting with a “new to you” device.
Idk I've had replacement devices from them that didn't seem to be quite as good as new. I think it's reasonable that if you spend this much for a phone, you should get a brand new replacement...especially if your phone is in immaculate condition due to being taken care of.
i think the point is that when an apple employee hands you your replacement device they always say here's your "new" device, even when challenged if you know it's a refurb, they will repeat the "new"ness line they are trained to say, being very adamant that it's not a refurb. pretty simple-if it doesn't come in a retail box, it's a refurb. they are forced to tell customers they are new devices. in my opinion that is a lie, and very wrong to do.
My favorite lie, I mean line, is when asked about a KNOWN issue, they say 'that's the first time I heard of that.' So, you're either an idiot or a liar. Great.
As for refurbs, I have been fortunate as none of the devices they have ever replaced for me had issues. Either way, I would like to find out if the information about how good the refurb process is really true.
As for refurbs, I have been fortunate as none of the devices they have ever replaced for me had issues. Either way, I would like to find out if the information about how good the refurb process is really true.
a) I have purchased several apple refurbished devices (MBPs, iPads). Beyond the generic white shipping box and revised model number (two letter prefix changes for refurb), the models are indistinguishable from new. Zero problems with any of the refurb devices.
b) I expect the core issue to the claim will be what the statutory consumer protection laws require and were those laws properly applied by Apple. Apple must satisfy it's own warranty terms or the legally enacted laws of States or Countries, whichever is higher. Take into consideration there are 50 US states and possibly as many sets of laws and jurisdictions plus all the countries Apple does business, and this is a incredibly complex issue to manage.
c) Would in general agree the complainant is overreaching on this. IMO, a Refurb device delivered as a warranty replacement is functional (and aesthetic) equivalent of an original device.
Did you call Apple and they replaced it, or did you file a lawsuit?
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Heck, if they really cared, they wouldn't manufacture anything at all! And if I really cared I wouldn't produce CO2 reading and replying to your post! In fact, I'm logging off, shutting down, and holding my breath through my next scheduled self-flagellation session, though I'll probably miss it without my iPhone to remind me.
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