KEY POINTS

  • Apple has extended its return period for this year's holiday season
  • This gives consumers more time to test Apple's new devices for themselves
  • Not all purchases are eligible for the extension

Apple updated its Returns Policy for the holiday season to extend the period of time returns will be allowed. This extension comes just in time for the holidays, giving consumers more time to process returns if they need to.

Per Apple’s Returns & Refunds page, those who buy any product from its Online Store and receive that item between Nov. 10 and Dec. 25 will be allowed to return the item up until Jan. 8 next year.

This means customers who tried their hands on any of the new iPhone 12 series models, iPad models, Mac devices, Apple Watches and relevant accessories will have enough time to try these out for themselves to see if the devices meet their expectations. Otherwise, they can simply return it on or before Jan. 8.

Purchases made after Dec. 25 are subject to the company’s Standard Returns policy, which means customers will only have up to 14 days to return an unwanted or defective product.

Inclusions

Apple noted that not all of its products can be returned during this time. Products that were purchased during the above-mentioned period but cannot be returned in any way include the following:

  • Opened software, except those that haven’t been installed in any device and still have intact seals or stickers on the packaging
  • Electronic software downloads
  • Software up-to-date program products (more commonly known as software upgrades)
  • Apple gift cards (includes previous generation Apple Store gift cards and App Store & iTunes gift cards)
  • Apple developer products (such as membership, technical support incidents and WWDC tickets)
  • Apple print products

Apple also noted that customers will be responsible for canceling the services connected to the iPhones and iPads they plan to return. They will need to contact their carriers or service providers regarding the cancellation of wireless accounts and service agreements.

U.S. only

Consumers are also warned that the extended return date applies to the U.S. only. Consumers will need to check for the policies Apple has in other countries, so they can be sure that the items they purchase for themselves or for others can still be returned in the event they find it unsatisfactory.

In this photo released by Apple, Apple CEO Tim Cook holds up the all-new iPhone 12 Pro during an Apple event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California on October 13, 2020
In this photo released by Apple, Apple CEO Tim Cook holds up the all-new iPhone 12 Pro during an Apple event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California on October 13, 2020 Apple Inc. / Brooks KRAFT