How To Get the Most From Your iPhone’s Warranty

Jonathan Zschau ()

Do you really want to replace your iPhone?

This question is a subjective one. Ultimately, it is up to you. Therefore, you must be aware of some of the advantages and disadvantages of replacing your iPhone.

The disadvantages. First, depending on your luck and preference, replacement may take some time. You may need to make more than one trip to your local Apple Store. If you are very particular about your iPhone, be prepared to have to return to the store several times and be ready to be persistent.

Second, remember you will most likely be getting a refurbished iPhone. Although the iPhone will look brand new, there is a good chance your replacement iPhone had a defect at one point and was repaired and retested by Apple. The question is whether you are happier with a year old iPhone or a new refurbished iPhone. If you are vigilant about it, a new refurbished iPhone will usually be the better choice.

Third, you are going to have to deal with the Geniuses. Be prepared to hold your ground. Be prepared to have them question you about your problems with your iPhone. Be prepared to reproduce your problems in front of them. Be prepared to convince them that your problem is in fact a defect.

Finally, if you truly are happy with your current iPhone, you may not want to go through the hassle of replacing it.

The advantages. First, you get a shiny new iPhone! Sure, it is a refurbished phone, but it is still new. Apple has supposedly rigorously tested it before sending it to the Apple Store. If you take the time to fully test out your new iPhone, you should be in a far better position than where you started – especially if your original iPhone had defects or was developing them.

Second, your replacement iPhone should have a new battery. According to Apple, the iPhone battery has approximately 400 charges to its life. If you have been charging your current iPhone on a daily basis, your battery is nearing the end of its life. It costs about $100 USD and takes approximately three days for Apple to install a new iPhone battery. Why not take 30 minutes and just have your whole iPhone replaced for free?

Third, you get an additional 90 days added to your warranty (from the date you get it replaced). This is important because you will need those 90 days to make sure that your new iPhone is in tiptop shape. If it is not, take it back for a new replacement – don’t be shy.

Finally, you get to stick it to Apple – need I say more? Taking your iPhone in to address a legitimate problem encourages Apple to produce a higher quality product. It is your right to demand that Apple live up to its warranty. After all, you paid for that too.

– Jonathan Zschau.

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About the author

jzschau

Jonathan Zschau is a Boston-based Massachusetts attorney and occasional Cult of Mac contributor. He has experience in a wide array of practice fields, including business transactions, law & technology, litigation, litigation support, and eDiscovery. He is also the author of Buying and Owning a Mac: Secrets Apple Doesn't Want You to Know.

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Posted in Customer Services, Hardware, iPhone, iPhone 3G, News, Retail Stores, Top stories |

  • http://www.snubcommunications.com Craig Grannell

    Some interesting stuff there, although it’s probably worth noting that your mileage my vary depending on the consumer rights available in each particular country. In my experience, although the UK has very strong consumer rights that enable customers to make claims up to seven years after purchase, Apple fights desperately against such things. In the US, despite the country having weaker general consumer protection laws, it seems Apple Stores are often more likely to offer replacements for faulty hardware rather than argue the toss about whether a defect was there at the point of manufacture.

  • Ben wilson

    I believe that I am just not lucky when buying anything and I am constantly fighting with apple about my iphone (I purchased it from an apple store). I have to say, that although it is usually a time consuming and frustrating effort, they have come through.
    I as well, have an issue with my time line for warranty on all items as apparently I am very disorganized. I recently fount this website that is awsome, at least for a persone like me. http://www.warrantyelephant.com Hope this helps others

  • John

    Very cool site. If I would have known about this 3 months ago, I probably would have saved some money. Easy to sign up, easy to use. Great Idea.

  • Sj Ray

    hi Jonathan,

    I was recently scammed by a guy who sold me an (dead pixels, cracking plastic, discolored screen) iphone 16gb for $290. Today I followed everything you said and walked into an Apple store with an appointment and walked out with a NEW iphone 3g 16gb!! I did my homework well on those three flaws and it paid off!

    Thanks a LOT

  • Jarar

    This guide helped alot!
    Thank you so much
    I worked my way into the guys brain
    I told him that I had Been saving up
    and that I wanted to work at the store when I’m older
    he replaced my phone even though I had water damage
    which usually isn’t covered
    thanks a million really helpful!

  • http://twitter.com/drakeciv Oliver Thornewill

    good article

  • a man on a mission

    so, itake it this means that i caan get by with water damage to the micro-processor?