Apple’s extended holiday return policy is now in effect for all purchases made through the Apple Store online. Goods received between November 1 and December 25, 2021 can be returned through January 8, 2022.
There are some exceptions shoppers should be aware of, however.
Apple’s holiday return policy is live
Apple typically gives customers 14 calendar days (from the date you receive it) to return a product purchased through the Apple Store online that they no longer want. But over the holidays, that window gets extended — by quite a bit.
“Items purchased at the Apple Online Store that are received between November 1, 2021 and December 25, 2021, may be returned through January 8, 2022,” reads Apple’s holiday return policy, which was updated this week.
All other terms of the standard return policy are still valid, Apple notes, so you can only return products that were purchased directly from Apple, and they must be repackaged with all included accessories and documentation.
Anything purchased after December 25, 2021 is subject to the usual 14-day window. And it should be noted that there are some exceptions.
There are exceptions
Even under the holiday return policy, you cannot return opened software once it has been installed — or if any seal or sticker on the package is broken. You also cannot return electronic software downloads or Apple Gift Cards.
If you’re buying a cellular device, returning it may not automatically cancel your wireless account, Apple says. You’ll need to discuss that with the carrier directly, and its own cancellation window may not be as lengthy.
