Apple has rolled out its holiday theming at the online Apple Store, and with it a new, extended return policy has just been put into place. Here are the details.
Apple Store orders received starting today are eligible for return through January 8
Every year for the holiday season, like many other retailers, Apple institutes an extended return period for eligible purchases.
Today that extended return window has officially kicked off. Per Apple’s website:
Eligible products at the Apple Store Online that are received between November 6, 2026 and December 25, 2026, may be returned through January 8, 2027. Please note that all other terms and conditions provided in the Apple Store Online Sales and Refunds Policy are still applicable with respect to such products purchased. iPhone purchases that are carrier-financed with T-Mobile or Verizon are not eligible and are subject to standard return policy. iPad purchases that are carrier-financed with Verizon are not eligible and are subject to standard return policy. All purchases made after December 25, 2026 are subject to the Standard Return Policy.
The extended return window applies to all products. However, Apple does state that as always, certain types of products are ineligible for return altogether. They include:
- Opened software
- Electronic Software Downloads
- Software Up-to-Date Program Products (software upgrades)
- Apple Gift Cards (includes previous generation Apple Store Gift Cards and App Store & iTunes Gift Cards)
- Apple Developer products (membership, technical support incidents, WWDC tickets)
Most of the year, the Apple Store has a 14-day return policy. But unless you’re a last-minute shopper, that wouldn’t work very well for any product you intend to gift.
Thus, Apple’s extended return window means any purchase you make as a holiday gift won’t have its return period end before the holidays even arrive.
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