Ever buy an Apple product just before a new model came out? Did you get insurance?

[MacDawg]

I'm pretty gutted because I recently replaced my original iPad Mini with a shiny new iPad Mini 4. I'm an avid reader and I used my Mini mainly for that purpose and it performed well. However, recently the battery performance wasn't so good, so I wanted to upgrade. Since the iPad Mini 4 came out in 2015 and it looked like it wasn't going to get any more love from Apple, I went ahead and bought because I didn't want to risk it going away.

Now the iPad Mini 5 is out and I am extremely disappointed
I guess I can sell my Mini 4 but at quite a loss and with a lot of hassle.

Research has shown that when a new Apple product is announced, only .03% of buyers of that specific product are within a 14 day return period (lucky bastards). And less than 1.6% of buyers are able to take advantage of Apple's extended grace period IF it is even offered. I fell outside that range by 8 days and called Apple, only to be told tough luck. I even told them to check my buying history to see what a good customer I am and they didn't care. Should I call back and demand a supervisor? Or would I do better by making a scene at the Apple Store?

I'm a loyal Apple user and I have been buying Macs, iPhones, iPads and every other gadget for years and this is the way I'm treated? I was buying Apple when Apple wasn't cool. I have to believe that Steve's Apple wouldn't be so cold and callous. I was already hesitant to buy because of the decline in Apple's quality control, but now I am afraid to buy any Apple products.

Has this ever happened to you and what would you do?

 

[OllyW]

Since the iPad Mini 4 came out in 2015 and it looked like it wasn't going to get any more love from Apple, I went ahead and bought because I didn't want to risk it going away.

Should always pay attention to Kuo's predictions.

Sorry can't offer much help with your problem, Apple are so big now I don't think playing the loyal customer card will have much sway anymore but you could have a look at your bank's terms and conditions if you paid for it with a credit card as they may offer a longer return period.

 

[44267547]

I fell outside that range by 8 days and called Apple, only to be told tough luck. I even told them to check my buying history to see what a good customer I am and they didn't care. Should I call back and demand a supervisor? Or would I do better by making a scene at the Apple Store?

Why should your buying history have a direct effect if you should be allowed to return device or not because you’re outside your return period? I’ve purchased hundreds of products from Apple over the years, should they make an exception to me if I am over a week outside my return period? [Rhetorical] If You were not outside your return period over by eight days, I could see Apple making an exception if it was within a day past the 14 day return period. But it sounds like to me, you think you should have some type of special entitlement over other customers because of your ‘purchase history and loyalty’, when it doesn’t work like that.

If it was me, sell the iPad mini 4 you have, cut your losses and then upgrade at your leisure.

Should I call back and demand a supervisor? Or would I do better by making a scene at the Apple Store?

1.) Demand? I don’t think you need to demand anything from anyone. You could just request to talk to a supervisor, explain your situation in person if you feel the need, and then determine the best outcome.

2.) ‘Making a scene at an Apple Store’ Will not get your way, more like, they will ask you to leave.

I'm a loyal Apple user and I have been buying Macs, iPhones, iPads and every other gadget for years and this is the way I'm treated?

Ok, So how exactly how were you ‘treated’? Because they told you no? So you believe you have been mistreated because they told you ‘no’ to a policy that they upheld being you’re upset they won’t make an exception for you, because you’re a loyal purchaser who is outside the return period, Therefore you’ve been mistreated.

I’m not trying to be rude by any means, more or less a realist, I side with Apple on this, being you’re nowhere near your return period, And I don’t think you deserve any special treatment because you’re a ‘loyal purchaser’.

 

[peterh988]

I was with my friend when she bought an iMac literally minutes before the new model was released, a few years ago. We were in the Apple Store, the website was down with the 'back soon' message, and the new computers were being launched right as we were paying for the old one.

The 14 day window came to our rescue.

 

[jpn]

I'm pretty gutted...

...this is the way I'm treated?

response to "I'm pretty gutted..."
we are all there with you.
we feel your pain.
we are sorry this happened.
what bad luck.
we can understand how you feel.
and say we are sorry this happened to you.


response to "...this is the way I'm treated":
grow up.

 

[maflynn]

I'm a loyal Apple user and I have been buying Macs, iPhones, iPads and every other gadget for years and this is the way I'm treated?

You feel upset because you're prior buying experience didn't grant you special treatment? I know it sux, that buying right before a release bites, but that's technology. Apple rarely pre-announces any product and so the prospect of buying before a product unveil is is almost always present.

I know many people feel entitled to be treated special, but to expect that is risking disappointment and anger. You bought the mini because it was seemingly meeting your needs, has the newer tablet changed that? Enjoy your purchase and don't worry about what new products are released.

Conversely if you're that upset, sell the tablet and get the new mini.

 

[goslowjoe]

Bought my 2014 MacBook Pro just days before the 2015 model was released.

 

[rluvbeach]

bought the ipad 3d generation just before they put out the 4th generation model.....the ipad 3 was a pos in my opinion.

 

[SDColorado]

I have had that experience a couple of times. I have to say I got lucky this last time. I returned a 2018 MBP with the 560x GPU and while I was giving a couple of Windows machines a look Apple released the Vega 20 option. So I lucked out and fell into the “donut hole.”

That said, I do think the MBP represented a situation where Apple *new* the Vega GPU release was imminent and could have put a “coming soon” in the upgrade options within 2 weeks of release.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I'm pretty gutted because I recently replaced my original iPad Mini with a shiny new iPad Mini 4. I'm an avid reader and I used my Mini mainly for that purpose and it performed well. However, recently the battery performance wasn't so good, so I wanted to upgrade. Since the iPad Mini 4 came out in 2015 and it looked like it wasn't going to get any more love from Apple, I went ahead and bought because I didn't want to risk it going away.

Now the iPad Mini 5 is out and I am extremely disappointed
I guess I can sell my Mini 4 but at quite a loss and with a lot of hassle.

Research has shown that when a new Apple product is announced, only .03% of buyers of that specific product are within a 14 day return period (lucky bastards). And less than 1.6% of buyers are able to take advantage of Apple's extended grace period IF it is even offered. I fell outside that range by 8 days and called Apple, only to be told tough luck. I even told them to check my buying history to see what a good customer I am and they didn't care. Should I call back and demand a supervisor? Or would I do better by making a scene at the Apple Store?

I'm a loyal Apple user and I have been buying Macs, iPhones, iPads and every other gadget for years and this is the way I'm treated? I was buying Apple when Apple wasn't cool. I have to believe that Steve's Apple wouldn't be so cold and callous. I was already hesitant to buy because of the decline in Apple's quality control, but now I am afraid to buy any Apple products.

Has this ever happened to you and what would you do?

Email tim@icloud.com. He’ll sort you out!

I never miss a keynote which helps!

But seriously it sucks and I feel for you. Perhaps you might find a friendly store manager that could assist? Worth a try.

 

[keysofanxiety]

I've got a few embarrassing purchase stories.

My 2011 Early 15" MBP was an upgrade to my Unibody white MacBook which I bought the year before. I went for the BTO 750GB 7200RPM HDD and 8GB RAM without knowing I could have upgraded the parts myself for a fraction of the cost...

I still feel shame over that.

 

[MacDawg]

I was with my friend when she bought an iMac literally minutes before the new model was released, a few years ago. We were in the Apple Store, the website was down with the 'back soon' message, and the new computers were being launched right as we were paying for the old one.

The 14 day window came to our rescue.

Ah, so she was one of the lucky .03% of buyers that fall into that golden window.
That was quite fortunate!
I wish I had been one of the lucky ones

Bought my 2014 MacBook Pro just days before the 2015 model was released.

Were you able to return it, or what did you do?

bought the ipad 3d generation just before they put out the 4th generation model.....the ipad 3 was a pos in my opinion.

Sounds like you missed the golden window or .03% AND missed out on the 1.6% of buyers too, which put you stuck like I am
Did you just eat it and live with it, or did you try to change your fortunes?
Man I could really use some advice on this on how to make this happen

Do you guys think if my iPad Mini 4 was damaged I might be able to swing a new one?
I don't mean smashing it up really, but maybe something a little more subtle
Maybe even making it seem like it was defective when I purchased it?

It just seems a shame that they are only interested in customer service for the less than 2% of the buyers of the new devices.
I remember when Apple's customer service was unrivaled, but now I am thinking Samsung or maybe Huawei might be the way to go.
I just can't help feeling betrayed by Apple right now.
Have any of you had success with those brands taking care of customers in my position?

I guess I could try emailing Timmy, do you really think that might work?

 

[MRrainer]

There are no good tablets but Apple's. Google has literally ended Android support for tablets.

Feeling "betrayed" is ridiculous IMO. The iPad Mini4 was released in September 2015, that's what? 30 months ago.
That's similar to buying an iPhone SE these days - and then being bitter when Apple releases an update.

In your opinion, what would be a "reasonable" return-window for such a situation?
Two weeks? A month?

I do admit that I would never have paid full price for an iPad Mini4 in the last months. Let alone in the last week.
I'd have looked for a used one - but only if it came with a big discount.

It was just no longer good value. I'd have rather put up with a larger display.

Admit it: you made a mistake and rather than accepting the responsibility yourself, you're looking for a "way out", making someone else pay for your mistake.

Personally, I consider it a bit of a mistake that Apple even offers these "return windows".
People should make up their minds, read reviews, ask in forums and try the stuff out in a store.
Then, they should buy and not look back.

As a result, people are always second-guessing their decisions and keep looking for a better deal.

Sell it, eat the loss. Do more research next time.

 

[SDColorado]

Have any of you had success with those brands taking care of customers in my position?

I guess I could try emailing Timmy, do you really think that might work?

While not with either of those two brands or with a tablet, I did purchase a 2017 Microsoft Surface Pro in August of last year. There was rumors that the LTE version might be released in September or October so I was a bit apprehensive. The manager at the store told me “If that does happen, just bring your current one in and I will take care of you.”

It didn’t, so I didn’t have to test the commitment of his promise, but it was a good Customer Service gesture and shows that it can be handled the right way.

Writing to Tim Apple couldn’t hurt. The worst they can do is say “no” and tell you that a “small number of people are effected by buyers remorse after an upgrade release outside of the return policy.”

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

Did someone hack into @MacDawg ’s account? This doesn’t seem like the kind of poster he is.

 

[44267547]

So now the OP wants to possibly claim their iPad mini is defective, so they can receive a new unit? Nice. To me, that’s low level desperation to try to swindle Apple, because the OP is upset with their *own* decision they bought an older model iPad to begin with. I really hope Apple does _not_ change their stance giving the OP an exchange/refund in this situation.

 

[s15119]

When I bought my new Bondi iMac way back in the day, they came out with a new one just a few days later. I don't recall what the specific upgrades were, but I recall being vaguely disappointed for a minute, and then I just went on to enjoy my computer for several years. Didn't bother me too much. I still had a beautiful computer that did everything I needed to do. Now I watch the rumor sites a little more closely and probably wouldn't make the same mistake again.

 

[SDColorado]

When I bought my new Bondi iMac way back in the day, they came out with a new one just a few days later. I don't recall what the specific upgrades were, but I recall being vaguely disappointed for a minute, and then I just went on to enjoy my computer for several years. Didn't bother me too much. I still had a beautiful computer that did everything I needed to do. Now I watch the rumor sites a little more closely and probably wouldn't make the same mistake again.

The rumor sites are definitely a help, at least as a predictor. The 2018 MBP was a bit exceptional though in that they had just released new models and people were upgrading with the idea that there wouldn't be another update until 2019. Then like 3 months later they released the Vega GPU models. I am not sure anyone saw that coming, including the rumor sites.

I did feel genuinely bad for the folks who purchased a new 2018 just outside of the return window for exchanging for the Vega models if they would have wanted one.

 

[redheeler]

The iPad mini 4 is based on the Air 2 from 2014, which is certainly still capable but I wouldn't pay full price for a 2014 iPad in 2019, regardless if there is a newer model available or not. Used or heavily discounted though, sure.
[doublepost=1553900954][/doublepost]@MacDawg I definitely understand your frustration, but this one's on you. Do your research and make smart buying decisions. Don't pay full price for outdated products, even if they are technically still current (like the 2013 Mac Pro for example).

 

[goslowjoe]

Ah, so she was one of the lucky .03% of buyers that fall into that golden window.
That was quite fortunate!
I wish I had been one of the lucky ones



Were you able to return it, or what did you do?

Nope, at the time I was new to Apple's MacBook Pro. I also purchased it online (not too many walk-in stores where I live) and so returning it was difficult. Nevertheless, the unit has served me well. It was only when I purchased a 2015 unit for my son and was able to compare apples with apples that I realised the big difference is in the much faster SSD in the 2015 model. The graphics cards are different too, but that is no major deal. Both are still awesome products.

 

[Wickintime]

It's the way it happens sometimes. I bought a 'Power" iMac about 4 weeks before the Intel ones were introduced. Mind you, I ran it for 9 years and it served me well.

 

[maflynn]

I don't mean smashing it up really, but maybe something a little more subtle
Maybe even making it seem like it was defective when I purchased it?

So you're trying to find a way to damage the tablet or make it look like it was defective to get the new tablet? I'm surprised you would go down that rabbit hole, it seems rather shady and dishonest to me.

Maybe you should take your own advice

I've often wondered if people who are this obsessed with their "expensive" purchase of a phone do the same with a new car (or other purchases)?

While your post is a different topic and the Mini isn't "expensive" in the terms of phones or laptops, its not cheap, but by the same token, you seem obsessed to get the latest model, why not just enjoy what you have

You've said it yourself you use the mini mostly for reading, and your reading experience will not be markedly different from the mini 4 and mini 5

 

[Apple fanboy]

I remember when Apple's customer service was unrivaled, but now I am thinking Samsung or maybe Huawei might be the way to go.
I just can't help feeling betrayed by Apple right now.

Samsung or Huawei customers would be no better off if they had just purchased before a release.
At least your data is safe with Apple!

But I’d still try your luck with an appointment? Maybe see if they will offer a iTunes voucher as a compromise?
So you don’t feel so out of pocket and they can count on your custom for years to come?
[doublepost=1553946421][/doublepost]

So you're trying to find a way to damage the tablet or make it look like it was defective to get the new tablet? I'm surprised you would go down that rabbit hole, it seems rather shady and dishonest to me.

Maybe you should take your own advice


While your post is a different topic and the Mini isn't "expensive" in the terms of phones or laptops, its not cheap, but by the same token, you seem obsessed to get the latest model, why not just enjoy what you have

You've said it yourself you use the mini mostly for reading, and your reading experience will not be markedly different from the mini 4 and mini 5

Nothing wrong with wanting the latest and greatest. Having just bought a Mac mini, I can be happy I have the latest release until 2022 at least!

 

[maflynn]

Nothing wrong with wanting the latest and greatest. Having just bought a Mac mini, I can be happy I have the latest release until 2022 at least!

No question, we all feel that way, but as they say, the means do not justify the end.

Maybe its just me, but I'd rather not try to do something dishonest in trying to get the latest and greatest. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Don't get me wrong, I'm not without sin and I'm not trying to sound holier then thou as they - I've done plenty of wrong in my life, though my goal is to live a sanctified and righteous life

 

[kazmac]

Email tim@icloud.com. He’ll sort you out!

I never miss a keynote which helps!

But seriously it sucks and I feel for you. Perhaps you might find a friendly store manager that could assist? Worth a try.

^ This.

Some nice store managers let me return after the 14 day window. Be very nice and ask, but do not damage the Mini 4. Just ask for a manager and explain. Apple are usually quite happy to take more money from you.