iPhone 12 Pro How much time to return iPhone?

[abbeybound]

Long story short, I bought a 12 Pro on launch day but I'm starting to lean towards mini due to the size and weight coming from a 2016 SE. If I initiate the return tomorrow, how long do I have to ship it back? Long enough to hold both phones together to compare?

Sorry if this is a repeat post, but I've read numbers from three days to 14. I'd love to know if someone has a definitive answer here.

Thanks!

 

[BreakingKayfabe]

To Apple? I believe you get another 14 days to ship back.

 

[happy orchard]

I'm considering returning my 12p. Here's some hard data for you:

The silicone 12p case originally arrived on Monday Oct 19. (Phone obviously didn't arrive until Friday Oct 23.)

I checked in with my Apple Store app to 'Start a Return' on this Sunday Nov 1.
(That was 14 days after arrival.)

The app now tells me I need to "Return by Nov 15."

Similarly, I should be able to start a return for the phone Thursday Nov 5 and return 14 days later.

Hope that helps some.

 

[abbeybound]

Perfect, thank you!

 

[Shadowbech]

You would have addtitional 14 days from the day you initiate it. However, just be warned that it may take longer than expected for them to process the return.

On an unrelated note but somewhat relevant: On 10/23/2020, I initiated the return for the MacBook Pro, I packaged it up and took it to my nearest ship and print center and dropped it off, asked for a receipt and was delivered on Tuesday, 10/27/2020. No update till today when I receive that they just processed the return (11/4/2020). Which took 6 Business days for them to process (they don't process returns on weekends when you ship it out).

 

[ap123ap]

I initiated a return on Sunday, UPS collected at about 11am on Monday and by about 3pm on Tuesday, Apple issued a refund. Solid service!

 

[Sam in SoCal]

I just initiated the return For my 12 pro, my MagSafe charger, and the Apple silicone case. Deadline for the return is November 19. Good thing I have a back up phone(iPhone XR). I’m setting things in motion for the max preorder tomorrow. Any questions?

 

[aajeevlin]

I just initiated the return For my 12 pro, my MagSafe charger, and the Apple silicone case. Deadline for the return is November 19. Good thing I have a back up phone(iPhone XR). I’m setting things in motion for the max preorder tomorrow. Any questions?

The question here is if we don't have a backup phone or you want to wait to compare with the pro max or mini is the 19th for item to arrive at apple or is it the last day for post mark? That makes a huge difference in the rerurn window.

 

[PaladinGuy]

I was told by an Apple rep that they currently can make exceptions on returns up to 45 days, if you bought the phone through Apple.com.

 

[Shadowbech]

The question here is if we don't have a backup phone or you want to wait to compare with the pro max or mini is the 19th for item to arrive at apple or is it the last day for post mark? That makes a huge difference in the rerurn window.

I think Apple has to receive it "by" the 19th. Below is an example I have for my MacBook Pro that I returned.

As long as it's delivered by that date and Apple scans it should be fine. But be prepared because I've been told that it can 5-8 days after they receive it to process the returns. But as long as the warehouse scans it into their system as delivered, then should be fine.

 

[aajeevlin]

I was told by an Apple rep that they currently can make exceptions on returns up to 45 days, if you bought the phone through Apple.com.

Thanks for the info, but without official statement online I'm afraid risk it. I have gotten burned before (not by Apple).

 

[Shadowbech]

I was told by an Apple rep that they currently can make exceptions on returns up to 45 days, if you bought the phone through Apple.com.

Right, I would guess you'd have to call them to initiate that. The "Start the Return" button on apple.com order status will disappear 14 days after you have received it.

 

[aajeevlin]

I think Apple has to receive it "by" the 19th. Below is an example I have for my MacBook Pro that I returned.

As long as it's delivered by that date and Apple scans it should be fine. But be prepared because I've been told that it can 5-8 days after they receive it to process the returns. But as long as the warehouse scans it into their system as delivered, then should be fine.

Thanks, the more I read into it the more it seems like it needs to be back by the date specified. Fortunately the color/size my wifi wanted for her mini is the least popular one, so I think I can get it by next Friday then if I like the mini enough I'll just ship out my 12 pro on the same day. I just want to see for myself if I will like the smaller size.

 

[Shadowbech]

Thanks, the more I read into it the more it seems like it needs to be back by the date specified. Fortunately the color/size my wifi wanted for her mini is the least popular one, so I think I can get it by next Friday then if I like the mini enough I'll just ship out my 12 pro on the same day. I just want to see for myself if I will like the smaller size.

Yes, I believe they need to receive it "BY' that date so if you initiated the return today, Apple needs to receive the item by the 19th. Otherwise the return process will be cancelled if it's after that date.

 

[acousticbiker]

I've been wondering about the same return/exchange (have the 12 Pro, interested in 12 mini) but I ordered through Verizon, which (I didn't realize until after the fact) has a $50 restocking fee (vs Apple which does not appear to). It seems like Verizon eSIM activation has been a pain for those who bought from Apple but this restocking fee is a significant differentiator for future purchases in my mind.

 

[aajeevlin]

I've been wondering about the same return/exchange (have the 12 Pro, interested in 12 mini) but I ordered through Verizon, which (I didn't realize until after the fact) has a $50 restocking fee (vs Apple which does not appear to). It seems like Verizon eSIM activation has been a pain for those who bought from Apple but this restocking fee is a significant differentiator for future purchases in my mind.

Yea, I have been Verizon customer for many years (they are good), but I have been buying my iphone sim free for so long as Apple have been making it available. Even for the 12 Pro I was able to use my old sim and the function (5g) has been working without any issues. Basically, I don't see the difference unless you want the promotion from VZ.

 

[coney718]

I just initiated the return For my 12 pro, my MagSafe charger, and the Apple silicone case. Deadline for the return is November 19. Good thing I have a back up phone(iPhone XR). I’m setting things in motion for the max preorder tomorrow. Any questions?

I initiated the return for my 12 pro as well with a deadline of November 18th to return. If I decide I just want to bring it back to the store and not ship it do I still have to the 18th or does that date only apply if Im shipping it?

 

[PhillyGuy72]

14 days. I do wish Apple extended this like they did wth iPhone X.
I got that in mid Nov 2017, return period was extended to first week of Jan. 2018.

 

[Shadowbech]

14 days. I do wish Apple extended this like they did wth iPhone X.
I got that in mid Nov 2017, return period was extended to first week of Jan. 2018.

Yes that's because of the Holiday Return period policy. I believe this year if you purchase something after 11/15/2020, then you have till 1/8/2021 to start the return process.

 

[PhillyGuy72]

Yes that's because of the Holiday Return period policy. I believe this year if you purchase something after 11/15/2020, then you have till 1/8/2021 to start the return process.

Oh gotcha.

 

[Sam in SoCal]

I initiated the return for my 12 pro as well with a deadline of November 18th to return. If I decide I just want to bring it back to the store and not ship it do I still have to the 18th or does that date only apply if Im shipping it?

Ok here’s the deal(I sound like Biden). hold on to your phone until you get delivery or pick up Of your mini or max. In my experience with returning through fed ex it’s a 2 day shipping with the labels 🏷 Apple provides you for return. So then you go to your local fed ex office and ship it right away that day you get your device allowing the package plenty of time for that 2 day window. OR once you get your November 13 device set up an appointment right away with the closest Apple store, and of course you want to get appointment before the deadline day. Lastly, make sure you are up early to make the preorder tomorrow to ensure you get that November 13(which is the earliest) delivery day so it won’t conflict with your 18th deadline. Phew! Did you get all that?

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

I think Apple has to receive it "by" the 19th. Below is an example I have for my MacBook Pro that I returned.

As long as it's delivered by that date and Apple scans it should be fine. But be prepared because I've been told that it can 5-8 days after they receive it to process the returns. But as long as the warehouse scans it into their system as delivered, then should be fine.

So, what happened if you mail your item on 19th November? delivery takes 2-3 days right? is that still valid?

 

[Sam in SoCal]

So, what happened if you mail your item on 19th November? delivery takes 2-3 days right? is that still valid?

Nope. They have to receive it by the 19th. Do not wait until the last day. Mail it on the day you get your device is the safest bet

 

[Shadowbech]

So, what happened if you mail your item on 19th November? delivery takes 2-3 days right? is that still valid?

They have to receive by the 19th. If you mail it out on the 19th, it's too late and Apple cancels your return. Apple normally provides fedex shipping label. Typically it takes 2 days.

When you initiate the return, you get an e-mail for instructions, so pay attention to that e-mail. it says "By" that date.

See example below (this is my MBP return, which the tracking I saved said it was delivered on 10/27/2020), and as long as it shows on Apple that it was scanned on the day it was delivered you will be fine. It can take 5-8 business days (Weedays ONLY) for them to actually process the return:

 

[BrightCanon]

So, what happened if you mail your item on 19th November? delivery takes 2-3 days right? is that still valid?

I just called apple. I initiated my return today and have the same 19th date. I triple checked and was told as long the phone is scanned by fedex on the 19th the phone can be returned. She also said if I order the max and think its too large(my concern) I can just return the max and keep the pro and the return will automatically drop off my account. Hope this helps. I am in the US if it matters.