Apple gives every brand-new iPhone a “limited warranty.” But what exactly does it cover? This post contains answers to the most asked questions about an iPhone’s warranty. Let’s start with the most obvious question.
Apple gives every brand-new iPhone a “limited warranty.” But what exactly does it cover? This post contains answers to the most asked questions about an iPhone’s warranty. Let’s start with the most obvious question.
How long is the iPhone warranty, and when does it start?
iPhones come with a one-year limited warranty, which you can extend for an extra cost through Apple or an authorized reseller, but only when you buy the device.
If you bought your iPhone from a reseller and want to make a warranty claim with them, they usually count the warranty start date as the day on your receipt.
However, Apple might see things differently and instead consider the warranty to begin the moment the iPhone is turned on for the first time because that’s when the device automatically starts its warranty countdown.
How to check your iPhone warranty?
There are two ways to check your iPhone’s warranty. The first is by going to “Phone Settings > General > About. The sixth row in this menu usually shows your iPhone warranty expiry date. You can also check the phone’s warranty without unboxing it. Just visit https://checkcoverage.apple.com and type in the phone’s serial number as specified on the box.
What does Apple’s One-Year Limited Warranty cover?
A limited warranty, as the name suggests, covers only specific defects or conditions outlined in its terms and conditions. For iPhones, Apple guarantees the device and the Apple-branded accessories that come in the box against “defects in materials and workmanship,” as long as they are used normally and follow Apple’s published guidelines.
What’s not covered by the iPhone warranty?
- Software distributed by Apple with or without the Apple brand (including but not limited to system software).
- Apple does not warrant that the operation of the Apple product will be uninterrupted or error-free.
- Apple is not responsible for damage arising from failure to follow instructions relating to the Apple Product’s use
- The warranty does not apply to consumable parts like batteries or protective coatings that are designed to diminish over time.
- It doesn’t apply to cosmetic damage such as scratches, dents, broken plastic on ports, normal wear and tear, or normal aging of the iPhone.
- It does not apply if the phone’s serial number has been defaced or removed, if the phone is reported as stolen, if the owner is unable to deactivate the pass code or other security measures on the phone, and if they cannot prove in any way that the phone belongs to them.
- Warranty doesn’t apply to damage caused by use with a third-party component or product.
- Damage caused by operating the iPhone outside Apple’s published guidelines
- Damage caused by service performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple-authorized service provider.
- It doesn’t cover an Apple product that has been modified to alter its functionality or capability without written permission from Apple.
- The iPhone warranty doesn’t cover physical damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, fire, liquid contact, earthquake, or other external sources.
If you would like to get coverage for physical damage, then you need to purchase Apple Care + for iPhone at an extra cost.
How can you claim your iPhone warranty?
To claim your iPhone warranty, you have to contact an Apple representative at an Apple-owned retail store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.
They first have to determine if the iPhone requires service. And if it does, then they will inform you how the warranty service will be provided. In that case, you would have to submit the device to an Apple Store or Apple service center by carry-in or by mail.
How does Apple handle an iPhone warranty claim?
There are three ways that Apple can solve a warranty issue.
- They will first attempt to repair the iPhone using either new or previously used parts that would provide the same performance and reliability as a brand-new part.
- With your consent, they may replace your iPhone with a brand new one or a certified refurbished model that has the same performance as the phone you submitted.
- In the case where the two previous options don’t work out, Apple may give you a refund of your purchase price.
What to do before sending your iPhone for warranty service
There are a few essential things you must do before sending your iPhone for warranty service.
- You should make a complete backup copy of the information contained on your device.
- Remove all sensitive information or better still format the iPhone.
- Disable all your security passwords. After warranty service, the phone’s operating system may be formatted and updated to the latest iOS version. Apple would not be responsible for any loss of information during warranty service.
Is the iPhone warranty “International”?
No, iPhones do not come with an international warranty. However, Apple usually provides warranty services for iPhones purchased from different countries.
Why is the iPhone warranty not international?
If you read the warranty documents included in your iPhone box (the papers that most people throw away during unboxing), you would notice that Apple clearly stipulates the following:
“Apple may restrict warranty service for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and HomePod to the country where Apple or its Authorized Distributors originally sold the device.”
That means at their convenience, Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Center in one country may refuse to repair an iPhone purchased from a different country. This statement alone is enough to tell you that iPhones don’t have an international warranty.
Does Apple repair iPhones from other countries even without an international warranty?
Yes, even though iPhones don’t have an international warranty, Apple still repairs iPhones imported from different countries.
As someone who worked in electronics retail for eight years, I can attest to this personally. In addition to being an Apple Authorized reseller, my employer was also the main Apple Authorized Service Center in the UAE.
My responsibilities include after-sales customer service. That means I help send customers’ products to the service center for repairs. As you know, the UAE (especially Dubai) receives a lot of visitors from around the world.
These people come with iPhones bought from their home countries. Others buy iPhone models that originate from different countries. At a certain point, these imported iPhones may require service.
I have personally sent iPhones & iPads that are not UAE models to our Apple Authorized Service Center. And they are usually returned to us either repaired or, in some cases, completely replaced for free under the Apple warranty. The statement below, taken from Apple’s warranty terms and conditions, supports my experience:
“Where international service is available, Apple may repair or replace Apple Products and parts with comparable Apple Products and parts that comply with local standards”.
Therefore, in some countries, Apple or Apple Authorized Service Providers may offer international service. And if they do, they will repair your iPhone. However, iPhone international service may not be available in all countries.
As long as an iPhone was still under warranty, I have never recalled our UAE Apple Authorized Service Center rejecting repair service just because it originates from another country. That said, when seeking repair of your iPhone in a country other than its country of purchase, certain terms and conditions may apply.
Terms & Conditions may apply when seeking iPhone service in another country
Even though I have never seen this happen (with all my experience in electronics retail), Apple’s iPhone warranty terms and conditions say that you may be required to pay extra charges when seeking iPhone repair service from a different country. Below is the exact statement as written by Apple:
“You may be responsible for shipping and handling charges if the Apple Product cannot be serviced in the country it is in. If you seek service in a country that is not the original country of purchase, you will comply with all applicable import and export laws and regulations and be responsible for all custom duties, V.A.T. and other associated taxes and charges”.
Conclusion:
- The iPhone doesn’t have an international warranty
- But Apple still offers international warranty service for iPhones.
- International service may not be available in all countries.
- Apple reserves the right at its own discretion, to refuse international service for your iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Indian iPhone warranty work in Dubai?
Yes, the Apple-authorized repair centers in Dubai may repair phones still under warranty from India. But note that it doesn’t mean that they will always accept to repair them because Indian iPhones, just like any other iPhone versions, don’t have an international warranty.
Can a UK iPhone warranty work in the USA?
Apple will probably repair a UK iPhone in the US at any service center where they offer international repair service. However, UK iPhones, just like any other iPhone models, do not have an international warranty.
Can the Dubai iPhone warranty work in India?
If Apple offers international service in India, then Apple may likely repair a Dubai iPhone in India. But note that Dubai iPhones, like any other iPhone model, do not have an international warranty.
Do Dubai iPhones have an international warranty?
No, Dubai iPhones, like any other iPhone model, do not have an international warranty. Apple reserves the right to refuse international service for an iPhone from a different country or region. However, Apple repairs iPhones with a valid warranty from other countries where ever international service is available.
How long is my iPhone warranty?
The default iPhone limited warranty period is 1 year. You can extend your iPhone warranty with Apple via Apple Care and Apple Care + plans.
Can I pay extra to get an Apple international warranty?
No, Apple doesn’t offer an option to pay for international warranty coverage. Any sales agent who said that probably lied to get the sale.
