If something happens to your iPhone, you are entitled to a one-year warranty, according to Apple. However, this is contrary to European regulations, which prescribe that as a consumer you can claim a two-year warranty. We show you exactly how the warranty process works.
On its own website writes Apple that you as a buyer are entitled to a one-year limited iPhone warranty. If you bought the device in Europe, however, the European rules apply and you are entitled to a two-year warranty.
Apple does not report this itself, but if you indicate it when you contact Apple, you will be granted the warranty. Naturally, this also applies if you have purchased an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch through a reseller or third party, both in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Everything about iPhone warranty
However, it is important to find out what is and what is not covered by the iPhone warranty. In general, manufacturing errors or other defects that are demonstrably not caused by use will be automatically compensated. The warranty does not apply to the following:
- Consumables: The battery or protective layers on the device wear out over time. If you still want a warranty on the battery, consider it AppleCare + to close.
- Cosmetic damage: for example scratches and dents on the housing. In any case, damage due to natural wear and tear is not covered by the standard warranty.
- Damage due to use in combination with another product: you cannot hold Apple liable if an (unofficial) accessory has caused damage to your device.
- Fall, impact, water and fire damage: You can insure yourself against this type of damage by taking out AppleCare +. You can read more about this later in this article.
- Damage caused by misuse: if you use your device in any other way than prescribed in the manual, the warranty will lapse.
- Damage caused by repairs carried out by third parties: If you have your device repaired by non-Apple employees or persons who are not authorized for it, you cannot subsequently make a warranty claim.
- Damage caused by modifications, which have been applied without permission from Apple. You can think of damage as a result of modifications (jailbreaking). If your device is broken and you still want to have it repaired by Apple, it is important to remove the jailbreak beforehand.
If the serial number of the device is illegible (made) or Apple can reasonably assume that it has been stolen, then the warranty does not apply. In addition, the most common damages, as a result of a fall or a splash in the water, are not covered by the standard warranty.
AppleCare + and (water) damage
If you want to avoid high costs after an accident, you can insure your iPhone by taking out AppleCare +. For a fee (the amount depends on the type of product) you get two years of technical support from Apple and cover for up to two claims. Please note: a deductible of 29 euros applies for damage to the display and even 99 euros for other damage.
The advantage of AppleCare + lies in the fast replacement service, but also in the fact that fall and water damage are covered. That is not the case with the standard warranty. If your iPhone has suffered water damage, it is important to switch it off immediately, let it dry and then check it for damage. You can check the latter using the liquid damage indicator that you find when you remove the SIM card slot. If it is colored red, then there is water damage. If you have AppleCare +, you can contact Apple to have your iPhone repaired. You can also take your device to the nearest Apple Store.
In addition to coverage for two damage incidents (as a result of falls, bumps or moisture), AppleCare + gives you a warranty on the battery, USB cable and charger. You can also claim software problems with, for example, iOS, iCloud and Apple apps.
What about the warranty on a device bought abroad?
The warranty on an iPhone from abroad is in almost all cases the same as when you purchase the device in the Netherlands: one year as standard, and only for defects that are demonstrably not caused by the user. With an iPhone sold within the EU, you are entitled to a two-year warranty. So keep that in mind if, for example, you buy an iPhone in the United States or another country outside the EU.
Replacement device
If you have a defective iPhone that is still within the warranty period and that was not broken through your fault, you are entitled to a replacement device. If all goes well, Apple is not difficult about this, although the company has often replaced broken iPhones with refurbished models. They have been checked, overhauled and cleaned, but not completely new.
You do not have to agree to a replacement device that has been refurbished
As a consumer, however, you do not have to agree with this, Zrefo ruled in mid-2016, a Dutch court ruled. An iPhone 6 Plus owner had returned her broken device to Apple, received a replacement iPhone, but did not agree with the fact that it was a refurbished model turned out to be. When Apple did not respond, it took the case to court. He argued in her favor and ordered Apple to reimburse the device and pay the legal costs.
iPhone 7 water resistant for the first time
The iPhone 7 (Plus), announced in September 2016, is the first iPhone that can withstand water. The device has an IP67 certification, which means that it is resistant to water and dust. The device survives under water for half an hour to a depth of 1 meter. If you accidentally drop the iPhone 7 into the toilet bowl, you don’t have to panic right away.
All models after the 7 have the same IP67 certification. The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max even have IP68 certification, which means that these devices can be submerged for 30 minutes to a depth of no less than two meters. With an iPhone XS (Max) you can therefore safely take a photo during a dip in the pool. The cheaper iPhone XR has to do with an IP67 certificate.
It is important to remember that iPhones with an IP67 certification cannot withstand any type of liquid. The XS models and newer are according to Apple. Salt seawater can cause significant damage to internal hardware, so always pay attention when taking the device to the beach. If you accidentally drop the smartphone in salt water, take it out immediately, rinse it with fresh water and dry it well. Do the same if you accidentally spilled coffee or soft drink on the device. The iPhone 11 series also has an IP68 rating and is even more resistant to splashes from coffee and soft drinks, and the dust resistance of the device has also been improved.
Check out more tips for buying Apple products
- Testing and checking refurbished iPhones: this is how you do it in 4 steps (13-2)
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- Buying a second-hand iPhone: 7 golden tips for the best deal (18-8-2020)
- Sell ​​or trade in an iPhone: this is how you get the best price (1/9/2020)
- Refurbished iMac Buying Guide: Everything you need to know about refurbished iMacs (7/12/2019)