Some Apple Retail Stores Offering 30-Day Window to Exchange iPads for New Model

With Apple's introduction of the fourth-generation iPad today, some recent purchasers of the third-generation model may be feeling somewhat disappointed that their new devices have been supplanted by an unexpectedly short upgrade cycle. CNET reports, however, that those who purchased their iPads within the past 30 days may be able to exchange their devices for new models at their local Apple Stores.

The manager at the Stockton Street store in San Francisco explained that "this specific store" would allow purchasers of the third-generation iPad to exchange their device for the fourth-generation iPad if purchased within the last 30 days. She emphasized that, unless the recently-purchased iPad showed serious signs of wear-and-tear, the usual 14-day return policy would be waived.

"And what about other stores?" You'll have to call and find out. She explained, "We can't speak to other stores' policies -- this is something our store has decided to do."

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The report suggests that the extended return window is not an official company policy and thus customers may find spotty adherence to it, but stores generally have some flexibility in allowing returns considering certain circumstances, and with any luck some recent iPad customers may find themselves able to upgrade to the latest model without penalty.

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Top Rated Comments

MultiMediaWill Avatar
166 months ago
Can we get a 6 month window for those who get scammed by Apple back in March?
Score: 70 Votes (Like | Disagree)
coltman75 Avatar
166 months ago
Can we get a 6 month window for those who get scammed by Apple back in March?

How, in heaven's name, could you possibly consider yourself to have been scammed?

Don't be silly.
Score: 64 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FrHa Avatar
166 months ago
Can we get a 6 month window for those who get scammed by Apple back in March?

We didn't get scammed at all; your iPad hasn't got any worse. And there were no guarantees from Apple that they wouldn't upgrade this year anyway. Besides, this updated version isn't that much better.
Score: 54 Votes (Like | Disagree)
brdeveloper Avatar
166 months ago
Can we get a 6 month window for those who get scammed by Apple back in March?

Apple thanks you for being a beta tester of the retina version.
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TimUSCA Avatar
166 months ago
Can we get a 6 month window for those who get scammed by Apple back in March?

What a ridiculous way to look at it. It's been 7 months with the 3rd-gen iPad. Does it suck that there's a *slightly better* version out? Maybe. But you owned a 3rd-gen iPad for 7 months, and it didn't suddenly become obsolete just because a new one came out.
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Leonard1818 Avatar
166 months ago
3rd gen iPad owner:

Buuuuttt Apple, can't you just take us out to dinner first? I usually like to get treated to a good meal before getting ******.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)