iPhone 15 Pro Max Need to Return/Exchange But None Available - How Does That Work?

[kallyq]

I just got home with my new phone and noticed it has a pretty big scratch on the screen. I need to return it but new phones aren't available for months. I was told at the store that you need your old phone available to activate the new one…but I don’t think I will get a new one on time. Any ideas on how to make this work? Can I activate a new phone a month or two after I return this phone? Not sure what I will do with no phone for a month or two! Ugh! I traded my phone in today

 

[NotApplicable]

Stores keep stock of every sku for exchanges, and they don’t keep these in visible inventory


at least they used to when I worked at the Apple Store from 2008 to 2014

 

[fatTribble]

Stores keep stock of every sku for exchanges, and they don’t keep these in visible inventory


at least they used to when I worked at the Apple Store from 2008 to 2014

Agreed! I had my 7 run hot. I took it in completely worried it would takes weeks to get a replacement. A minute later they handed me a replacement. Best of luck!

 

[0kwhyn0t]

I just got home with my new phone and noticed it has a pretty big scratch on the screen. I need to return it but new phones aren't available for months. I was told at the store that you need your old phone available to activate the new one…but I don’t think I will get a new one on time. Any ideas on how to make this work? Can I activate a new phone a month or two after I return this phone? Not sure what I will do with no phone for a month or two! Ugh! I traded my phone in today

I’ve unfortunately had some experience with this over the previous two iPhone launches.

If you’re absolutely sure you’ll commit to the phone and won’t return, you can ask for a service replacement part at the Genius Bar. It’s a brand new phone at this point but with a serial number that indicates it’s a replacement phone.

The reason for the commitment is because once you get a service part, it’s not eligible for a refund. Only continuous replacements.

Good luck!!

 

[vroom2]

Both the Genius Bar swap and phones held for exchange used to be true, Genius Bar would be after the retail inventory runs out. Both are brand new options, retail preferred as it can still be returned/exchanged later if needed. I assume Apple still offers both of these solutions, because without something to offer, it would be a complete disaster as people run their whole lives off these things. Regardless, go to the Apple Store and chat with a specialist and most likely a manager, they’ll work something out. Another option a manager can do, is they’ll extend your return date until a new one comes in and call you (good in your situation as the issue is only cosmetic and the phone works) I’d recommend this before Genius Bar, as it empowers you to have a longer warranty period with all options etc.

 

[kallyq]

I ended up watching the website very closely and bought a new one as soon as I saw one in my area and returned the old one. That seemed to be the simplest bet since I wasn't sure if they’d have any in stock. So all good now

 

[Ariel32]

Same experience for me today, got super lucky to quickly grab one in stock for store pick up. I hope the new one works out for you.