How can I get my iPhone replaced when purchased outside of Apple?

If you live in UK and some other European countries, your contract is with the retailer, not the manufacturer in which case Vodafone must repair or replace it without worrying you about whether Apple will or will not.

Where do you live?

Returning a device for a full refund is done within 14 days through Apple, although Vodafone may have a different return policy. Once those 14 days are up, then the free AppleCare coverage for the first year will repair the device. Whether you buy it from Apple or not, you are not guaranteed a new phone after the 14 days. Apple has the option to repair or replace the device and in just about every case, they will choose the repair option. I would actually be surprised if they replaced it with a new device even when purchased through Apple under those same conditions after the 14 days.

That is the reason why they provide the Express Replacement program for those that have purchased AppleCare+, so the user is not left without a device when the repair is needed.

Next time, buy your phone directly from Apple. There is NO DISCRIMINATION going on. You need to work with the seller you bought it from. Apple is the manufacturer in your scenario.

Have you checked to see what Vodafone options are available when you buy from them? If yes, what are they?

If you buy from Apple, you have 14 days to return the phone for a full refund. Perhaps Vodafone has a similar guarantee?

If Vodafone does not offer you the same option, your issue is with Vodafone.....not Apple.

Many people confuse the standard AppleCare warranty (1 year) with the extended AppleCare+ warranty. Without the latter, replacements are rare

promobox wrote:

Many people confuse the standard AppleCare warranty (1 year) with the extended AppleCare+ warranty. Without the latter, replacements are rare

Untrue if within 12 months as this example is.