Ing. Pietro Maiorana
Since November 6, 2026, Apple has activated its extended returns policy for the holidays. According to the company's website, eligible products received between November 6 and December 25, 2026 can be returned until January 8, 2027. The standard window is 14 days, too short for a gift bought early. If you buy devices for yourself, for your employees or for your company, knowing the rules helps you avoid nasty surprises.
A few terms before we get into the facts. Extended returns is the longer-than-usual period in which you can return a product. Standard Return Policy is Apple's ordinary rule, 14 days from delivery. Carrier-financed refers to a device paid in installments through a phone carrier. Software Up-to-Date Program is the software update program, excluded from returns. Apple Developer products are the developer products, such as the program membership.
What are the Apple extended return dates?
The information comes from Apple's official page on returns and refunds and from the coverage by 9to5Mac. For online orders the date that counts is the day you receive the product, not the order date. If you receive it between November 6 and December 25, 2026, you have until January 8, 2027.
Purchases made after December 25, 2026 return to the standard rule.
Does it also apply in Italy?
Yes, but with different dates. According to MacRumors, which cites the Apple site, in Italy, Mexico, Spain and Japan the window is a bit longer. Eligible products bought between November 6, 2026 and January 6, 2027 can be returned until January 20, 2027.
In the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and many other countries, the January 8, 2027 date applies instead. Still according to MacRumors, after December 25 in those countries the standard 14-day return returns, 15 days in Canada. Always check the page for your country anyway.
What remains excluded from returns?
Some categories are never returnable, even in the extended period, as listed by 9to5Mac.
- open software
- electronic software downloads
- products from the Software Up-to-Date Program
- Apple Gift Cards, including earlier generations
- Apple Developer products, such as memberships, technical support incidents and WWDC tickets
iPhones financed with T-Mobile or Verizon and iPads financed with Verizon are not eligible either. For these the standard return applies.
Which conditions still apply?
Apple specifies that all other conditions of the sales and refund policy still apply. The official page states that the product must be in its original condition, with parts, accessories and packaging. The refund depends on the payment method.
If you return an iPhone with network services, the line with the carrier is not cancelled automatically. The contract remains yours, with any associated costs. Anyone returning the AppleCare+ part of the iPhone Upgrade Program loses the upgrade option. On the subject of Apple returns, also read the iPhone Duo case.
Limits to know
Our sources are two American outlets and Apple's official English page, which describes the rules for the United States. We have not verified the Italian text of the Apple site, so the dates for Italy come from MacRumors. We do not know whether every product category is treated the same way in every country, nor how the policy will change next year.
What changes for those who work with digital tools
If you buy Apple devices for your team, you have more room to try them before keeping them. A Mac or iPad bought in November can be tested with the management tools and apps you actually use. The date of receipt matters, though, so keep the receipt and the delivery email. For apps and internal workflows, iOS and Android app development is best verified on a real device. Remember that software licenses and developer products are not covered by returns, so plan those purchases more carefully.
Our take
Extended returns are a useful commercial practice, but not an act of generosity. They move purchases toward November and reduce the hesitation of anyone afraid of picking the wrong gift. For the customer it works, provided you read the exceptions. It seems unclear to us that devices financed through some carriers are left out, since that is precisely the formula many people use to buy a new phone. Apple would do well to highlight these exclusions in the cart, not only on the terms page.
Frequently asked questions
Until when can I return an Apple product bought now?
Until January 8, 2027 in most countries, if you receive it by December 25, 2026. In Italy, according to MacRumors, the deadline is January 20, 2027 for purchases up to January 6.
Does the order date or the delivery date count?
For online orders the date of receipt counts. Apple refers to products received between November 6 and December 25, 2026, so keep your delivery confirmation.
Can Apple Gift Cards be returned?
No. Apple Gift Cards are excluded from returns, including earlier generations, as the official page also indicates.
Does the extended return also apply in physical Apple Stores?
Yes. According to MacRumors, the policy covers purchases at Apple Stores, on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app.
Are iPhones bought on installments through a carrier covered?
Not those financed with T-Mobile or Verizon. For these the standard return applies, as indicated by the Apple site reported by 9to5Mac.
What to check before the return deadline
The dates are fixed, but the rules change from country to country. It is worth doing a few checks before you buy.
- Open the Apple page for your country and compare the dates with the American ones.
- Put the return deadline in your calendar, January 20, 2027 in Italy according to MacRumors.
- If you buy in installments through a carrier, ask them how returns work.
