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.
Is it possible that if an apple store ran out of iPhone 5 replacements
- Thread starter DBZmusicboy01
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Not impossible. I've been with my sister who had her 3G replaced with a 3GS as they didn't have any in. Just a few days ago my friend had his 5 replaced with a 5S (via AppleCare phone support). Not sure if erroneous or intentional.
What are the chances though? Slim.
What are the chances though? Slim.
There have been a few incidents where Apple compensated members with a newer iPhone or Mac model for their numerous troubles/problems with a previous model (as goodwill gestures), but the OP was hoping that they'd simply run out of iPhone 5 stock so it's different.
They sometimes do it if there's going to be a long wait on replacement stock (they've done it 3g->3gs and 3gs->4 before now).
The replacements you guys are talking about are whole unit replacements - i.e. after multiple repairs where a customer doesn't want to accept a refurb, or as an appeasement.
The replacements you guys are talking about are whole unit replacements - i.e. after multiple repairs where a customer doesn't want to accept a refurb, or as an appeasement.
Do you really think you're the first to come up with this as a way to "upgrade"?
Anything is possible. Is this outcome likely? No.
There is a thread like this every now and then, what will the kids try to think of next? 
It reminds of of the thread the guy got a first generation replacement from Apple after 6 years. So good luck with that.
Actually Apple maybe near difficult, but if bought from a retailer and they don't want to go through whatever hassle, they may! (here I go getting the OP's hopes up).
It reminds of of the thread the guy got a first generation replacement from Apple after 6 years. So good luck with that.
Actually Apple maybe near difficult, but if bought from a retailer and they don't want to go through whatever hassle, they may! (here I go getting the OP's hopes up).
Not impossible. I've been with my sister who had her 3G replaced with a 3GS as they didn't have any in. Just a few days ago my friend had his 5 replaced with a 5S (via AppleCare phone support). Not sure if erroneous or intentional.
What are the chances though? Slim.
Highly doubtful.
No but there is a way , after my black iphone 5 was replaced through apple through the mail no less they said after the third replacement they are obligated to replace your device with a brand new in the original box with new accessories , I was told the 5 wasn't being produced any longer so I could recieve a new iphone 5S , the only thing was they wouldn't do gold for me for some reason , but anyway that's alittle apple policy secret they like to keep secret but after my 5s came in the mail all the way from schen Chen China I couldn't believe it , I didn't really believe it till I saw it but sure enough I got a unlocked 16 gig verizon model 5s ! Lucky I guess cuz I haven't had any issue with it either , they also sent a free black leather case that fits real nice free of charge .
Yes, happens all the times. They are so generous. If you need a car, a Genius will surely give you his, for example.
They are very generous actually , what other company hands out replacements like candy then after 3 upgrades you to a 5s ? Nobody else has that kind of customer service anywhere . I was shocked over getting the 5s then I open the box to find a free leather apple case with a note saying hope this one works out for you sorry for all the hastle , I ran my 5s serial number and it's week 42 so it was fresh off the line when I received it . Couldn't be happier !
Yes.
A weak battery.
Gave Apple my pretty used/banged up iPhone 2G and three days later walked into the same store and with a charge of $79. walked out with a refurbished (looks brand new) iPhone.
Now, before anyone goes and states, "yeah, but even a new original iPhone 2G isn't worth $79.00.", please realize that is subjective and to me it was worth it.
A weak battery.
Gave Apple my pretty used/banged up iPhone 2G and three days later walked into the same store and with a charge of $79. walked out with a refurbished (looks brand new) iPhone.
Now, before anyone goes and states, "yeah, but even a new original iPhone 2G isn't worth $79.00.", please realize that is subjective and to me it was worth it.
For sure no. I drove to an hour to get to a store as they were the only store that had an appointment. The Genius did all of his testing, then responded "Hold on a minute. I'll be right back". Came back a few minutes later "Sorry, we are out of replacements for your iPhone. I could call another store and see if they have one." Luckily, another store that wasn't too far out of the way back home has one and they swapped it for me.
No matter what I said, the Genius told me "We can only give you an exact replacement for the device you have". I told them I would even settle for a black version of my phone. No dice.
When a 3GS that was added to my collection by a family member started bulging because of the battery, AppleCare gave me a CS override code to replace it. The rep said I could go to any store and get it replaced, and if they didn't have a 3GS in stock they would replace it with a 4. So maybe it varies.
No matter what I said, the Genius told me "We can only give you an exact replacement for the device you have". I told them I would even settle for a black version of my phone. No dice.
When a 3GS that was added to my collection by a family member started bulging because of the battery, AppleCare gave me a CS override code to replace it. The rep said I could go to any store and get it replaced, and if they didn't have a 3GS in stock they would replace it with a 4. So maybe it varies.
Woah, Woah, Woah. Hold up. I have had SEVEN replacement iPhone 5's and no one has ever mentioned even the possibility of getting a 5s. Hmm... Maybe I should write a letter to Tim. What have I got to loose?
After 3 replacement units apple is obligated to give you a new phone in the box with all new accessories , a lot of people do not know this because they don't tell you but I had an apple rep that I dealt with through my entire ordeal and not only did she upgrade me after 3 refurbs to a 5s but she gave me a free apple leather case , and it also depends on this , when I had my last 5 replaced they had just stopped making the 5 and had no new units to give , they had plenty of refurb 5 but they had to give me a NEW phone because it was my 3 rd replacement . If your in those guidelines I would call apple and say I have been through so many refurbs and you know it's policy to get a new one after the 3rd and watch the lady trip out that you know this lol
Last edited by a moderator:
Really? Are you sure? Or are you joking with me? I have been all the way up the food chain before, speaking to someone in the Executive Customer Relations Department, and while someone from the regular Relations department did offer to replace my iPhone with a new iPhone 5 (they were still making and selling new iPhone 5's), when they pushed the request to Apple it was denied and it has never been mentioned to me again. Thinking back, I think I was on my 3rd replacement at the time. Interesting.
I kept in contact with that guy, and when I had my iPhone replaced the last time, he said that if I had anymore issues, he would look into getting me a 5C. The first thing that crossed my mind was "WTF?". IMO, the C stands for cheap, and I told him I would rather continue to get my 5 replaced with refurbs then to get a new 5C.
Maybe I should call back, speak to someone in the CRD and tell them, flat out, I want a 5s since I have had a iPhone 5 that has been a dud from the start, replaced 7 (soon to be 8) times, and I want my FULL $99 I spent for AppleCare+ back since all the repairs I have had done were the fault of Apple and not from user error, or normal wear.
And I'll keep bugging them, until I get the response I want. This is what happened when the Apple Store replaced my 2012 Retina with a 2013 Retina. I had to fight with them, and when I was able to prove that all the repairs done to machine were either due to bad parts from the start (kernel panic-causing SSD, ghosting Retina display, distorted video) or from an error in installation at the Apple Store (screw holding the bottom panel fell out, revealing a stripped screw hole caused by the Geniuses during the replacement of the LCD (also not the first time this store caused a problem. I have had wires left unplugged, LoBos installed wronged causing them to short out on the bottom pan, etc all from 1 store)), they refunded the full amount I spent on AppleCare which I used to turn around and by AppleCare for my new Retina.
I'm 100% positive that's the policy and it's a policy they won't reveal to you unless you dig alittle , the lady even said to me to not go telling everyone about this lol , call apple today and ask them what you would get after 3 iphone 5 refurbs the white box units that came to me in the mail and then say I get a new device after that right and the person will **** themselves , and the 5 is no longer in production so there are no new 5 to give you so they would bump you to a 5s like me , I'm not kidding around I got a brand new device in the original box sent from china I tracked it all the way through ups , it was like I paid for it I got notices of order shipping and order shipped I was highly surprised !
Apple will still have stock of new 5's somewhere... Not for retail perhaps, but available to ship out, country dependant of course, they'll have some.
What happened to the days of ya know....actually buying a new phone instead of scamming or complaining your way into them?
Scamming or complaining ?
You shouldn't just assume that of someone sir !
I guess when I had my ar15 serviced 4 times from colt or sent in my keltec 9mm to fixed I guess I was scamming them to huh ?
When you pay over 500 dollars for a phone I don't care how many times I have to have it fixed , if it don't work you bet your bottom dollar I'm going to use my warranty and just because the apple rep I got told the truth and upgraded me doesn't mean I scammed anyone , I wasn't even aware of that policy till she told me ! Now if I called back and did that same thing with my wife's 5 then that would be scamming but I'm not that kind of person ! And by looking at your picture you use you and I might have more in common than you think brother ! Never judge a person unless you know 100% the situation and also never judge unless you yourself are a perfect human being and my friend nobody is perfect !