Apple Shortens iPhone Return Window to 14 Calendar Days - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Shortens iPhone Return Window to 14 Calendar Days

by

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
163 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
163 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)
163 months ago
Still plenty of time.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dulcimer Avatar
163 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
163 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
163 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 surprise and shine event

Apple Event Today: iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo Cheat Sheet

Tuesday September 8, 2026 10:24 am PDT by
Apple's biggest event of the year is almost here, and all eyes are on Cupertino. With the first foldable iPhone expected to headline Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event on Wednesday, September 9, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, the rumor mill has been running full throttle, fuelled by the biggest single design change in the life of the iPhone. To get you up to speed, here's a quick reference...
All Screen iPhone 2030 Feature Sans Text

iPhone 18 Pro: Nine Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 7, 2026 5:01 am PDT by
Apple is set to unveil new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models on Wednesday, September 9, and the devices are expected to feature a design that's largely similar to the iPhone 17 Pro models, with a peppering of enhancements inside. Major changes are not expected until next year, when Apple is expected to introduce a radically redesigned 20th-anniversary iPhone. If you're thinking of...
Four iPhone 18 Pro Colors Mock Feature

iPhone 18 Pro: Release Date and Pre-Orders

Monday September 7, 2026 6:01 pm PDT by
Apple has announced that it will be holding an event on Wednesday, September 9 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, with the company widely expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, its first-ever foldable iPhone Ultra, and more. Now that we know the event date, we can make an educated guess about when iPhone 18 Pro pre-orders will begin, but there is a bit of a wrinkle this year....