Apple Launches Extended Holiday Return Policy, Return Deadline Set for January 8, 2020 - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple Launches Extended Holiday Return Policy, Return Deadline Set for January 8, 2020

by

Apple today updated its website to reflect that its annual extended holiday return policy is now active. Items purchased from the Apple Online Store received between November 15, 2019 and December 25, 2019 can be returned through January 8, 2020.

These dates apply to the United States and multiple other countries, but there are some countries where the return periods are different, so it's worth looking into if you plan to buy an Apple gift during the holidays.

apple gift wrap
In Spain, for example, Apple is allowing holiday returns until January 20, 2020 for items purchased between November 15, 2019 and January 6, 2020.

Items purchased at the Apple Online Store that are received between November 15, 2019 and December 25, 2019, may be returned through January 8, 2020. Please note that all other terms and conditions provided in the Apple Online Store Sales and Refunds Policy are still applicable with respect to such items purchased. All purchases made after December 25, 2019, are subject to the Standard Return Policy.

There are some items that are excluded from the return policy, such as Apple and App Store gift cards. Aside from that, most products can be returned, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and more. Purchased devices can be opened and used prior to being returned, but they must be in their original packaging.

With holiday purchases, it's a good idea to hold on to a receipt when buying from Apple.com or an Apple retail store to make sure that your purchase falls within the timeframe of the extended holiday period.

Purchases made prior to November 15, 2019 or after December 25, 2019 will be subject to the standard 14 day return policy.

Top Rated Comments

89 months ago

Does it matter if you buy and item on store? Or does it have to be on line to qualify for the extended holiday return policy?
Doesn’t matter, you still qualify for an extended holiday returns on in-store Purchases. It will say on the receipt when you can return the items by and will state 1/8/20.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Donnation Avatar
89 months ago
FYI if you purchased your 16” MBP on the 13th and received it on the 15th or later you are still eligible for the Holiday Return period. It’s based on the day you received the item, not the day you actually ordered it online.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
89 months ago

My last invoice for an item that I shipped - not an in-store pickup - shows the order date and the invoice date. The invoice date is when it was charged, ie when it was shipped. Delivery was actually the next day but the invoice does not say anything about delivery date. So how would Apple know when it was “received”?
And what does “received” mean?
What if the carrier tried to deliver at my home and I’m not there and they try the next day and I’m still not there and I change pickup to the carrier warehouse and I pick it up 5 days later? It was received BY ME a week later it was first delivered. Which date is used to count the 14 days return policy?
I’m just saying the “received” date is very subjective.
It is received when you've signed for it. And yes – if you pick up your parcel five days later (because you were not home when they tried to deliver it or whatever), your 14 day return policy gets those five days "credited".
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Donnation Avatar
89 months ago
Not sure about that. It may be different in other countries, but I'm pretty sure here in Germany, the day of receiving the item counts. Just think about (rare, but possible) cases when parcels are lost and arrive very late, one week or so after posting ... Would reduce your (normal) give-back time to half or more ...
He isn’t right, not sure where he got his info. Even under normal returns with Apple the 14 day period starts the day you receive the item not the day it ships.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Donnation Avatar
89 months ago
Technically, it’s based on when your credit card was charged which is the day it SHIPS! Not the day you receive it! Managers at Apple Stores can make return exceptions and they usually will if you can show them the date it was received/picked up from the mail carrier.
Nope. My card was charged on the 14th, which is the day my 16” MBP shipped. I just checked my return window and if i was returning the MBP it would have to be returned by Jan 8th.

And even under Apple’s normal return policy, the 14 day window starts the day you receive the item not the day it ships. Not sure where you got your information but it is WRONG!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

apple store down 2026 iphone 18 pro

Apple Store Down Ahead of iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Orders

Friday September 11, 2026 11:30 pm PDT by
Apple's online store is down ahead of iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max pre-orders, which begin at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Saturday, September 12. "We love that early energy," reads the Apple Store's message when visiting the U.S. website. "Almost ready for you. Pre-order begins at 5:00 a.m. PT. See you soon." Apple has been opening pre-orders at 5:00 a.m. Pacific Time for several years, ...
apple store down sept 2026

Apple Store Down Ahead of 'Surprise and Shine' iPhone 18 Pro Event

Wednesday September 9, 2026 4:20 am PDT by
Apple's online storefront has gone down ahead of the "Surprise and Shine" Apple event taking place later today, where several new products are expected to be announced. Apple is expected to announce new iPhone 18 Pro models and its all-new foldable iPhone Duo, as well as Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5. The company could also announce the release dates of its next...
Apple Store Wallpaper Basic Apple Guy

Apple's Newest Store Features Three Design Changes

Monday September 14, 2026 1:23 pm PDT by
Apple Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga, California reopened on Saturday with three key design changes, which will continue to roll out to other new and renovated stores. MacRumors reader Katelyn H. attended the grand reopening and shared some photos of the renovations on LinkedIn. The store now has a Genius Bar again instead of a Video Wall, plus dedicated Apple Pickup and Today at Apple...