Apple Warranty - a rant

--Mike-- · 22 Aug 2022 at 18:11

Wife has some 3rd gen AirPods and one is refusing to charge. Sent away to be looked at and they’ve come back saying it’s got water damage! The case hasn’t left the house, she leaves it at home. The AirPods are under a year old.

They just say is misuse and refuse to honour the warranty or even a goodwill gesture. So they want £60 plus vat to send a new case and can’t even guarantee that the original engraved case will be returned. Very poor show. I know it’s our word against theirs, but we’ve spent a lot of money with them, iPhones, iPads, Watches and the One subscription and that’s how they treat you. Disappointed.

Thanks for reading.

--Mike-- · 23 Aug 2022 at 19:50

Nah, it will charge if slight pressure is applied to push it further into the case. If you let go, it stops charging. Can’t see how this is water damage, more like a poor connection inside the case.

It’s not like it’s mega money for them unlike if it was a MacBook Pro or something, so you’d think they’d keep a return customer happy.

--Mike-- · 23 Aug 2022 at 22:21

I did think this, but surely the serial number has this logged against it. Probably going to try a section 75 credit card route.

--Mike-- · 24 Aug 2022 at 12:16

Alpherah said:
Can only speak for my store. But we over-rule the repair centre all the time

I appreciate your reply. Would your store check for any previous incidents regarding the serial number, or simply test and replace on the spot? My nearest store is Milton Keynes so it's quite a distance for a round trip.

--Mike-- · 24 Aug 2022 at 15:44

Alpherah said:
We check previous - but depot repair notes are largely hidden from us.
Best is just be honest about what happened and ask for a second opinion

Thank you. Would this be something they'd replace right away on the day, or would it need to be left with them?

--Mike-- · 24 Aug 2022 at 21:36

Thanks guys. It’s really put a downer on the whole Apple experience. You pay a premium and with that expect a decent level or service and they’re being petty over a new case. The AirPods themselves work fine.