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Apple confirms iPhone 4 refund policy

Apple will refund New Zealand iPhone 4 buyers if they are not satisfied within 30 days of purchase.

By James Heffield / Wednesday, July 28 2010

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Apple has promised to refund Kiwi iPhone 4 buyers if they are not satisfied with their purchase within 30 days. The offer will be available to New Zealanders from Friday, when the iPhone 4 arrives in the country.

The phone has been heavily criticised for an antenna issue that can cause it to drop calls if its bottom left corner is touched. Apple has attempted to correct the issue, colloquially known as the “death grip”, by offering free protective bumper cases that wrap around the phone to prevent a user’s hold from interfering with the antenna‘s operation.

Apple spokesperson Fiona Martin said in an email to PC World on Monday night that the company would  offer “a full refund for any undamaged iPhone 4 that is returned within 30 days of purchase should a customer not be happy with it”.

She also confirmed that the protective bumpers would be free to New Zealanders who purchased the phone up until September 30.

Earlier this week Consumer NZ technology writer Hadyn Green said  the antenna flaw could entitle New Zealanders to refunds under the Consumer Guarantees Act.  The flaw would need to be highlighted to buyers at the point of sale, otherwise buyers would be able to demand a refund if the antenna issue arose, Green said.

Apple’s new refund policy may remove the need for buyers to dispute whether they were informed of the flaw at the point of sale, as would be required under the Act. However, they may still have a case if they are not informed of the flaw when they purchase the phone and it affects their ability to make calls more than 30 days after purchase, when Apple’s refund iPhone 4 refund policy expires.