Iphone 17 pro max defect

I purchased my iPhone on January 4, 2026. On January 23, 2026, less than three weeks after purchase, the phone began rebooting repeatedly and then entered recovery mode, rendering it unusable. This occurred without any misuse or physical damage.

Apple instructed me to drop the device off for warranty service, which I did on January 25, 2026 at the Apple Store Stonestown in San Francisco, California. The service invoice listed an estimated pickup date of February 2, 2026, which I confirmed with the store prior to pickup. When I went to the store on February 2, I was told the device could not be released and to return the next day. On February 3, I returned again and was told the store did not have my phone and that there was no specific return date available. I escalated the issue to Apple Retail Executive Relations. Apple declined to provide a replacement device, declined to waive a $99 service fee, and did not provide a guaranteed completion date, despite the device failing shortly after purchase due to a software/manufacturer defect.

I believe this handling violates reasonable warranty service standards and leaves me without my device while Apple retains possession and requests payment for a defect I did not cause.

I am requesting assistance in resolving this matter, including waiver of the service fee and prompt return or replacement of my device.