Bought a brand new Macbook Air M2 and then get only 8 month international warranty when I login on Apple servers

Question

Level 1

4 points

Bought a brand new Macbook Air M2 and then get only 8 month international warranty when I login on Apple servers

Hi all,

I recently bought a brand new Macbook Air M2 in a Cambodian computer shop, country where I am currently living. The vendor gave me the Serial Number before buying and I was able to check everything regarding this machine on iFreeiCloud.co.uk website:

Model: MacBook Air (M2, 2022)

Activation Status: NOT ACTIVATED

Warranty Status: Apple Limited Warranty

Repairs and Service Coverage: ACTIVE

AppleCare Eligible: NO

Valid Purchase Date: NO

Registered Device: NO

Replaced by Apple: NO

Loaner Device: NO

I therefore came to the conclusion that this machine would be sold with a full 1 year coverage as it is seen as never used nor activated on Apple servers.

However when I connect it on Apple Store the same day of purchase with my Apple ID and check my coverage, I get only 8 months of coverage.

Who gonna explain me the reason why and how to solve this out?

Thanks in advance,

Best regards,

Mac Arthur

MacBook Air (M2, 2022)

Posted on Oct 25, 2023 1:13 AM

Reply

Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

159,144 points

Oct 25, 2023 4:20 AM in response to MacArthur111

An incorrect purchase date cannot be corrected online. You must contact Apple by phone: Update your proof of purchase - Apple Support

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Answer 2

KiltedTim

Level 10

233,092 points

Oct 25, 2023 5:47 AM in response to MacArthur111

You bought a gray market / used device from an unauthorized retailer.

There is nothing anyone can do about that. The warranty clock started ticking when it was originally sold by Apple or an authorized retailer.

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Answer 3

John Galt

Level 10

159,144 points

Oct 25, 2023 4:50 AM in response to MacArthur111

They are not all authorized resellers, but obviously all products are genuine.

I would not be so certain of that. Counterfeit Apple products exist. Confirming they are genuine is not always obvious.

Machines can be supplied from Hong Kong or Singapore.

Could this be the reason, meaning the machine is registered as sold when the official reseller in HK or Singapore ships it to a Cambodian non official distributor?

Yes.

Macs may be shipped to you from Hong Kong or Singapore but all Macs are built elsewhere — assembled from parts all over the world. After Apple sells them, it's out of their hands. Lacking any subsequent information from its eventual owner, Apple records the date of sale as that when it was sold. Since is appears that prospective Mac was never activated, then you should have no difficulty correcting that information.

If you cannot purchase your Mac directly from Apple I strongly advise that you purchase it (or any Apple product) from an Apple Authorized Reseller. Confirm that information here: Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple holds them to a high standard, and they can lose that privileged status if they do not comply with Apple's reseller agreements.

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Answer 4

MacArthur111 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 25, 2023 4:28 AM in response to John Galt

In Cambodia we can buy Macbook from many different shops.

They are not all authorized resellers, but obviously all products are genuine.

Machines can be supplied from Hong Kong or Singapore.

Could this be the reason, meaning the machine is registered as sold when the official reseller in HK or Singapore ships it to a Cambodian non official distributor?

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Answer 5

MacArthur111 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 25, 2023 6:40 AM in response to KiltedTim

No Not used. Packaging sealed, carton box protecting original white box sealed as well.I know how to check if the machine has been unpacked or not.

Grey market for sure.

And that's why I ask.

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Answer 6

WheelieNick

Level 8

46,549 points

Oct 25, 2023 1:35 AM in response to MacArthur111

I would contact the seller If I where you

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Answer 7

KiltedTim

Level 10

233,092 points

Oct 25, 2023 6:52 AM in response to MacArthur111

Gray market is technically “used” in the same sense as cars. If you buy a brand new car off the dealer lot and turn around and sell it to someone without ever doing so much as unlocking the door and starting the engine, the car you sold was “used”, not “new”.

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Answer 8

MacArthur111 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 25, 2023 1:39 AM in response to WheelieNick

I know the seller, no problem about that. I know he will give me 1y warranty as he does machine maintenance as well.

My concern is what happen if I move to another country.

It's an international warranty but checking on Apple servers, some other may say "sorry it's no longer covered" if I have a problem in 10 months time.

I do need to clarify this point.

Thanks in advance.

Best regards,

Mac Arthur

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Answer 9

MacArthur111 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 25, 2023 4:56 AM in response to John Galt

Well I can confirm they are genuine. Look at my initial post. I can see from the SN that Apple gives me 8 months warranty. You can't fake a M2 Mac. From where would you get the Soc? !!! Just common sense.

However Cambodia is NOT Europe or US. You may know that a grey market exists.This is not the debate here.

I want to know WHEN Apple registers the product as sold? The day it is sold to the customer who activate his machine for the 1st time online, or the date an official reseller registers it when selling to a third part?

Thanks for your help !

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