Can I Request a Refund for My iPhone 12 from Apple?

Mrs King on 02/03/2023 - 18:21
Last edited 02/03/2023 - 19:26 by 1 other user

I purchased an IPhone12 brand new from JB Hi-Fi just over 2 years ago.

Before the 2 year warranty was up, the phone was replaced by Apple as it had a problem with the sound of the person you were talking to when listening to the phone regularly. It was slightly better when listening on speaker, and perfect on AirPods. It was deemed a fault under warranty by Apple and replaced with a brand new device.

Now 6 months in, this phone is doing exactly the same thing. It is unusable as a regular handset and I am back to only taking calls with my AirPods. Some Google searching has shown that this has been an issue with some iPhone12’s.

I really don’t want to keep having to swap phones for a reoccurring problem. I had no intention of changing this device for many years (previous to this I was using an IPhone 7 that I had also purchased new and outright, so my phones tend to last years).

I’m wondering if I could be refunded the original purchase price and then purchase a different model without the problem. As this seems to be the same issue with two phones- am I entitled to this option (kind of like a lemon product)?

Any help before my Genius Bar appointment tomorrow is welcomed!!

Mobile Apple Mobile Phone

Comments

  • MS Paint on 02/03/2023 - 18:25
    +11

    replaced with a brand new device

    Shall I tell them or someone else?

    • 87percent on 02/03/2023 - 18:31
      +3

      The only person who should have the honour, is @jv

    • Bonsaichop on 02/03/2023 - 18:32
      +4

      Perhaps we should play 'wrong answers only'

      • AndyC1 on 02/03/2023 - 18:34
        +2

        Do two wrongs make a right?

    • ThithLord on 03/03/2023 - 09:58

      Apple replaced an iPhone SE for me, twice. Maybe OP can be lucky.

  • Empharand on 02/03/2023 - 18:35
    +4

    I’m wondering if I could be refunded the original purchase price and then purchase a different model without the problem

    Any help before my Genius Bar appointment tomorrow is welcomed!!

    That's a question to ask the Apple Staff tomorrow.
    I don't like your chances though, they're more likely to try and upsell you to the latest iPhone, I should hope that you don't fall for that.

    I really don’t want to keep having to swap phones for a reoccurring problem.

    As this seems to be the same issue with two phones- am I entitled to this option (kind of like a lemon product)?

    Short answer, stop supporting Apple. Chances are you will stop supporting Apple based on the response you receive tomorrow.

    • ThithLord on 03/03/2023 - 10:00
      +2

      Short answer, stop supporting Apple.

      OP could walk into an Apple store and get a replacement phone on the spot - sometimes that sort of service is a plus

  • AustriaBargain on 02/03/2023 - 18:35

    Apple still sell the iPhone 12 so the chances of getting a refund is low. Your best bet would be to get it repaired or replaced, sell it, and buy the new iPhone SE instead which is made of newer components in a much older form factor.

  • Morien on 02/03/2023 - 18:41
    +1

    You can't win if you don't play.

    Ask politely, but understand that it is very unlikely. It's now been 2.5 years, and they will likely just replace it.

  • djsweet on 02/03/2023 - 18:52
    +1

    Multiple minor problems can constitute a major problem according to the ACL. If it’s a major problem, then you can choose to have a replacement or refund. So try your luck I guess.

    • cookie2 on 02/03/2023 - 19:11

      Agreed. Push for a refund under statutory rights. Fixed during warranty period. Same issue again after 6 months shows a pattern of fault with the phone and not fit for use (as someone would normally expect to use a phone). Refund is your right. They tried to fix it by replacing it, didn't work.

    • dizzle on 02/03/2023 - 21:05
      +2

      However, it was originally purchased from JB hifi. Even though it was replaced by Apple, Apple don't have to provide a refund.

      • Morien on 03/03/2023 - 00:04

        This is exactly right, OP. Didn't even register when reading the post earlier. You can only seek a refund from the retailer.

      • djsweet on 03/03/2023 - 12:36

        You are right. Only the retailer is subject to ACL. Apple is not the retailer in this case and is not obliged to provide a remedy. What I got out of this thread is buy direct from the Apple Store.

  • Keplaffintech on 02/03/2023 - 19:00

    You can ask, but it's up to them to decide whether they replace, repair or refund.

  • Ghost47 on 02/03/2023 - 19:01

    Just go in, explain your situation and be nice about it. With some luck you might just get given a refurb, you won't get a refund though.

  • DashCam AKA Rolts on 02/03/2023 - 19:11
    +8

    Can I Request a Refund for My iPhone 12 from Apple?

    Yes.

    Will I receive a Refund for My iPhone 12 from Apple? ¯_(ツ)_/¯

    • 87percent on 02/03/2023 - 19:15
      +2

      Magic 8 ball says “unlikely”

  • Leanne59 on 02/03/2023 - 19:30

    The warranty for the replacement phone expires the same date as the original phone's warranty, you don't get another 2 years with any replacement phone so maybe Apple won't do anything without a cost for repair.

    • askbargain on 02/03/2023 - 19:37
      +2

      Apple replacements come with another 2 years.

      • Leanne59 on 03/03/2023 - 13:34

        Not the replacement I received, I was told the warranty expires on the same date as the original purchased.

    • harshbdmmaster718 on 02/03/2023 - 19:44
      +1

      Not sure where you guys are seeing 2 years Apple warranty.

      Seems like without Apple Care only the Apple Watch Edition gets 2 years limited warranty. For all other products it says 1 year limited warranty.
      https://www.apple.com/au/legal/statutory-warranty/au/

      This kind of lines up with my experience with an iPad. The "Limited warranty" shows as expiring 1 year from purchase in the settings app.

      I think by 2 years you mean ACL coverage?

      "Apple will provide its own remedies equivalent to those remedies in the consumer guarantee provisions of the Australian Consumer Law at any time within 24 months of the date of purchase. "

      This is not the same as warranty IMO. They will provide "remedies" which means not a brand new replacement and not a direct repair of your device. In most situations it looks like instead they replace your device with a refurbished one, which is not brand new but arguably the device you hand in is not brand new either so it's an equal exchange.

      • Leanne59 on 03/03/2023 - 13:37

        It is a two year warranty in Australia and you DO receive a brand new replacement or repair to your own phone within that two years. I have had experiences with both replacement and repair within that two year warranty period.

        • harshbdmmaster718 on 03/03/2023 - 16:48

          I have had experiences with both replacement and repair within that two year warranty period.

          Recently? Because the link I linked above is the Apple AU warranty legal info. It clearly states the 24 month period is the ACL period.

          I have had experiences with both replacement and repair within that two year warranty period.

          Are you sure you received a brand new device though? Because I know someone who did take an iPhone in with a fault and they gave them a replacement in a blank box (not the original box you get when you buy brand new) and they also told them it was refurbished stock (they take faulty units handed in and replace the glass display and battery at a minimum so ensure it appears new).
          Then what they do is take your device that you handed in take it apart, clean it and fix it and give it to the next customer as a replacement.

  • SBOB on 02/03/2023 - 20:19
    +3

    purchased an IPhone12 brand new from JB Hi-Fi just over 2 years ago.

    Why would apple refund you for a handset purchased at JB hi-fi?

    • cauilfield on 02/03/2023 - 23:34

      correct; Apple won't do a refund;

  • Porker on 02/03/2023 - 20:41

    I wonder if the OP's next phone will be an iphone….

    • yummypinacolada on 03/03/2023 - 01:01
      +2

      I'd say Apple still far better to android phones when it comes to warranty. You'd have no hope claiming warranty if you got faulty android phone after 2 years.

  • davidtse916 on 02/03/2023 - 22:51

    "Before the 2 year warranty was up, the phone was replaced by Apple as it had a problem with the sound of the person you were talking to when listening to the phone regularly. Now 6 months in, this phone is doing exactly the same thing. "
    — From my personal experience, Apple's warranty starts from the day you've received your phone from the genius bar, which means your replacement iPhone 12 should be covered by 'Consumer Law Repeat Coverage (CP)'. Make sure you bring your last Genius Bar visit email with you just in case. (email title: Genius Bar Work Authorisation and Service Confirmation).

  • holdenmg on 02/03/2023 - 23:55

    Why even take it in to the Genius Bar?

    Why not ask Siri?

  • yummypinacolada on 03/03/2023 - 01:00

    Refund is highly unlikely, because you buy from JB Hifi and they can't do return authorization return as your device is already replaced by Apple. IMO, You're more likely to get a refurbished replacement from Apple.

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 03/03/2023 - 08:56
    +2

    https://chat.openai.com/chat

    Based on the information you provided, it seems that you have experienced a recurring issue with your iPhone12, which has been previously replaced by Apple under warranty. If the issue has resurfaced within a relatively short period after the replacement, it's understandable that you may be frustrated and concerned about the device's reliability.

    Under Australian Consumer Law, consumers have rights when they purchase goods or services, including the right to a repair, replacement, or refund if the product is faulty, not fit for purpose, or does not match the description provided. If a product has a major problem, such as a recurring fault that cannot be fixed, the consumer may be entitled to a refund or a replacement.

    In your case, if you believe that the issue with your iPhone12 constitutes a major problem, you may be entitled to a refund or a replacement with a different model. However, it's important to note that the retailer (JB Hi-Fi) has the right to assess the device and determine whether the fault is major or minor, and whether a refund or a replacement is the appropriate remedy.

    You may wish to contact JB Hi-Fi's customer service team to discuss your options and provide evidence of the fault, such as records of your previous repair or replacement. It may also be helpful to refer to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) guidelines on consumer guarantees and warranties, which provide detailed information on your rights and obligations as a consumer.

    Ultimately, the outcome will depend on the individual circumstances of your case, and it's important to approach the matter with clear documentation, patience, and a willingness to negotiate with the retailer.

  • Empharand on 04/03/2023 - 00:06

    So…………… How did the Genius Bar appointment go, OP? Did they provide a ingenious or ignoramus solution?

  • Anthonese on 04/03/2023 - 13:06

    Former Genius here. In some circumstances we can do a refund for a device which has had a string of faults but it has to have been purchased from us (we have to have received the money) and requires manager approval. You purchased your device from JB so the best we can do refund-wise is to provide documentation which you can present to JB as proof of a fault.

  • SetsunaFSeiei on 13/03/2023 - 12:06

    Can't remember how many times this short video from the ABC show The Checkout has helped others, you can return anything that in your opinion you would not have
    bought the item in the first place because it didn't meet your expectations and is not of a reasonable quality or durable. Consumer law is the only law that kinda still cares about us these days….. Goods: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE8BB-ioNRw and Services: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL2y5rNfUMM

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