iPhone return policy drops from 30 to 14 days

Apple Store (Opening 001)

Apple’s just made an important change to its iPhone return policy. According to the firm’s newly-updated Retail Store Purchase Policies, customers who bought an iPhone directly from the Apple Online Store and in Apple Retail Stores now have 14 days to return it for a refund.

“For iPhone returns, you may return your undamaged iPhone with its included accessories within 14 days of purchase for a full refund,” Apple acknowledges.

Previously, people had 30 days to return their iPhone for a refund. The company has apparently shortened the return window in order to match carriers’ 14-day policy…

Apple’s document, first spotted by 9to5Mac, says that all items returned within the two-week timeframe are eligible for an exchange or a refund, “based upon the original payment method”.

Apple adds:

For returns to an Apple Retail Store for cash, cash equivalent, and check transactions over $750, Apple will mail a refund check to you within 10 business days.

With the change, the 14-day period for iPhone returns now actually matches all other Apple product purchases, which are already subject to the same 14-day return policy.

More context, from 9to5Mac:

Apple’s prior iPhone return policy was in stark contrast to its carrier partners who only offer a 14 day return window. During this time a customer may choose to return the iPhone to Apple within the 30 day period but if it was returned after day 14 they would still be on the hook for Early Termination Fees (ETF) or any other penalties from the wireless providers.

Will the new return policy affect your next iPhone purchase from Apple?

And is 14 days long enough to determine whether you like a product or not?