Apple’s response to the ongoing iPhone 4 “death grip” debacle is largely cosmetic, but at the end of the day, Cupertino’s made sure that everyone knows that “if you are not fully satisfied, you can return your undamaged iPhone to any Apple Retail Store or the online Apple Store within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.”
Throwing the gauntlet down and challenging your customers to return their phones if they aren’t happy with Apple’s fix is pretty daring, but at least Apple seems to be putting their money where their mouth is: Computerworld notes that simultaneously with the release of the iPhone 4 Reception memo, Apple quietly changed the terms of its return policy to exclude the customary 10% restocking fee.
According to Computerworld, Apple’s dropping the restocking fee to defend against class-action lawsuits that might otherwise cite the 10% fee as losses to be recouped. Personally, I think it’s simpler than that: Apple’s just not the kind of company to promise a full refund, then shortchange you.