Customers who purchased an iPhone from an Apple Store in the U.S. had a 30-day period to try out the phone and return it for any reason. Starting March 13th, this return window is being shortened to 14 calendar days, claims 9to5Mac.

According to an internal document provided by one of our retail sources, Apple plans to change its iPhone return policy to just 14 days beginning on March 13th. However the return policy currently published on Apple.com already reflects this change.

iphone-14-day-return-policy
This change brings Apple's return policy in line with U.S. carriers, which offer a 14-day return period for customers who buy an iPhone from a carrier's website or retail store. Previously, Apple would accept returns beyond the carrier's 14-day period, but within the company's 30-day return window. These customers would be credited for their iPhone purchase, but they still had to pay an early termination fee and any other associated charges to the carrier. This policy often was confusing to customers who expected to return their phone without penalty.

This change also standardizes Apple's return policy across all product categories. Starting March 13th, customers who purchase an item from Apple will have 14 days in which to make a return, regardless of what they purchased.

Tag: 9to5Mac
Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

Apple_Robert Avatar
143 months ago
I think this is a good move on Apple's part. It brings consistency in policy across the board. Less confusion for consumers. Also, it could mean less wear and tear on items returned.

In my opinion, 14 days is long enough to determine whether one likes an item or not.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gnasher729 Avatar
143 months ago
Maybe because the device doesn't work properly? I find your post to be silly.

That's warranty, not a return. Even with a "no returns" policy, you can return devices that don't work.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lefty21 Avatar
143 months ago
Still plenty of time.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dulcimer Avatar
143 months ago
I think this is a good move on Apple's part. It brings consistency in policy across the board. Less confusion for consumers. Also, it could mean less wear and tear on items returned.

In my opinion, 14 days is long enough to determine whether one likes an item or not.

Completely agree. No need to test a phone for one whole month.

----------

Getting a little greedy there, eh, Tim?

How is this greedy?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GoCubsGo Avatar
143 months ago
Getting a little greedy there, eh, Tim?
I don't see it that way and 14 days was the original return window even under Jobs. I'm not even sure how you can call this greedy.


I think this is a good move on Apple's part. It brings consistency in policy across the board. Less confusion for consumers. Also, it could mean less wear and tear on items returned.

In my opinion, 14 days is long enough to determine whether one likes an item or not.
I agree. Far too many people have openly discussed how they kept a phone for nearly a month and decided they wanted the color or size they truly wanted. Many have come here bragging about their basic rental or saying how they wanted a certain model but it was not available so they just bought whatever and now intend to return it. I loved it in one way because the refurb store was riddled with these returns that had nothing wrong with them. However, this 14-day window will reduce the people who abused the previous return policy.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gnasher729 Avatar
143 months ago
Getting a little greedy there, eh, Tim?

Don't you think feeling entitled to rent a phone for two weeks without payment is greedy?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

apple launch feb 2025 alt

Here Are the New Apple Products We're Still Expecting This Spring

Thursday February 20, 2025 5:06 am PST by
Now that Apple has announced its new more affordable iPhone 16e, our thoughts turn to what else we are expecting from the company this spring. There are three product categories that we are definitely expecting to get upgraded before spring has ended. Keep reading to learn what they are. If we're lucky, Apple might make a surprise announcement about a completely new product category. M4...
prioritize notifications ios 18 4

Everything New in iOS 18.4 Beta 1

Friday February 21, 2025 1:08 pm PST by
Apple finally released the first beta of iOS 18.4 to developers for testing purposes, and while the beta is lacking some of the Apple Intelligence features we were hoping for, there are some notable new additions. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Priority Notifications - Apple Intelligence There is a new Priority Notifications feature that can show you your most...
Apple iPhone 16e Feature

Apple Announces iPhone 16e With A18 Chip and Apple Intelligence, Pricing Starts at $599

Wednesday February 19, 2025 8:02 am PST by
Apple today introduced the iPhone 16e, its newest entry-level smartphone. The device succeeds the third-generation iPhone SE, which has now been discontinued. The iPhone 16e features a larger 6.1-inch OLED display, up from a 4.7-inch LCD on the iPhone SE. The display has a notch for Face ID, and this means that Apple no longer sells any iPhones with a Touch ID fingerprint button, marking the ...
ios 18 4 ambient music

iOS 18.4 Adds New Ambient Music Feature

Friday February 21, 2025 11:06 am PST by
In iOS 18.4, there's a new Ambient Music option that can be added to Control Center. There are four different sound categories, including Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing. Each category can be added to Control Center separately, and tapping one plays a random selection of sounds or music from that particular category. You can't choose what's playing from Control Center, but if...
iphone 17 pro asherdipps

iPhone 17 Pro Models Rumored to Feature Aluminum Frame Instead of Titanium Frame

Tuesday February 18, 2025 12:02 pm PST by
Over the years, Apple has switched from an aluminum frame to a stainless steel frame to a titanium frame for its highest-end iPhones. And now, it has been rumored that Apple will go back to using aluminum for three out of four iPhone 17 models. In an investor note with research firm GF Securities, obtained by MacRumors this week, Apple supply chain analyst Jeff Pu said the iPhone 17, iPhone...
iPhone 16e Feature

Apple Denies Speculation Surrounding iPhone 16e's Lack of MagSafe

Friday February 21, 2025 8:01 am PST by
Apple has confirmed that its custom-designed C1 modem in the iPhone 16e has nothing to do with the device's lack of MagSafe support, according to Macworld. Following the launch of the iPhone 16e, there was some speculation online about how MagSafe magnets might have interfered with the C1 modem's cellular connectivity performance, and this was considered to be a potential reason for the...
Generic iOS 18

Here's When Apple Will Release iOS 18.4

Wednesday February 19, 2025 11:38 am PST by
Following the launch of the iPhone 16e, Apple updated its iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia pages to give a narrower timeline on when the next updates are set to launch. All three pages now state that new Apple Intelligence features and languages will launch in early April, an update from the more broader April timeframe that Apple provided before. The next major point updates will be iOS ...
oppo find n5 fingers

World's Thinnest Foldable Phone Launches in Europe and Asia

Thursday February 20, 2025 8:55 am PST by
Oppo has launched the Find N5, the world's thinnest foldable phone yet. When closed, the book-style foldable measures 8.93mm. That's less than a millimeter thicker than an iPhone 16 Pro, and thinner than the Honor Magic V3, which was the previous record holder. The device is barely thicker than its USB-C port. Indeed, Oppo has suggested that the obstacle to making it any thinner is now "the...