Apple warranty & return policy — and how to actually claim it
Every line below is quoted from Apple's own published policy and linked to the source. If something you bought is covered, Owed's agent can draft and send the claim for you.
Warranty
12 monthsstated window
Apple-branded hardware and the Apple-branded accessories in the original packaging are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship, when used normally per Apple's published guidelines, for one year from the date of original retail purchase.
In their own words
“warrants the Apple-branded iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV, HomePod, or Apple Vision Pro hardware product and the Apple-branded accessories contained in the original packaging (“Apple Product”) against defects in materials and workmanship when used normally in accordance with Apple's published guidelines for a period of ONE (1) YEAR from the date of original retail purchase by the end-user purchaser”
What is covered by this warranty?
“This Warranty does not apply: (a) to consumable parts, such as batteries or protective coatings that are designed to diminish over time, unless failure has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship; (b) to cosmetic damage, including but not limited to scratches, dents and broken plastic on ports unless failure has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship”
What is not covered by this warranty?
“Please access and review the online help resources described below before seeking warranty service. If the Apple Product is still not functioning properly after making use of these resources, please contact an Apple representative or, if applicable, an Apple owned retail store (“Apple Retail”) or AASP, using the information provided below.”
How to obtain warranty service?
What they exclude
- Consumable parts such as batteries or protective coatings designed to diminish over time, unless the failure is due to a defect in materials or workmanship
- Cosmetic damage including scratches, dents and broken plastic on ports
- Damage caused by use with a third party component or product that does not meet the Apple Product's specifications
- Damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, fire, liquid contact, earthquake or other external cause
- Damage caused by service performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider
- Products modified to alter functionality without Apple's written permission
- Non-Apple branded hardware products or any software, even if packaged or sold with Apple hardware
- Defects caused by normal wear and tear or normal aging of the product
How to file
Review Apple's online help resources first, then contact an Apple representative, an Apple-owned retail store, or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP), who will determine whether the product requires service.
Apple's claim page →Source: Apple's published policy · verified 2026-08-03
If they say no
A first refusal is not the end — most claims that get paid are the ones that got answered a second time. The ladder that works:
- Reply in the same thread quoting the exact policy line above, with your order number and the date. Ask for a supervisor or a formal complaint reference.
- Escalate to an executive contact if support stalls — a specific, documented request outperforms an angry one.
- Use your payment rail: a card chargeback for "not as described" or "item not received" (typically within 60 days of the statement under the US Fair Credit Billing Act, and up to 120 days under card-network rules — confirm the exact window with your issuer), or a PayPal dispute.
- For lost or damaged shipments, file a claim with the carrier directly.
- Escalate externally: the selling platform's guarantee, BBB, your state attorney general, or the FTC. Small claims is the last resort.
Owed reads your receipts, tracks every warranty clock, drafts the claim citing the terms above, and follows up until you're paid. Free to start.
Policies change. We re-verify these terms regularly and show the date each was checked, but always confirm current terms on Apple's own site before relying on them. Owed is not a law firm and this page is not legal advice.