Faulty- New iPhone 4 replaced with a refurbished iPhone :|

Standard practice in the wireless industry.

It's standard practice in the entire electronics industry, as a matter of fact, when it's more cost effective to replace a defective item than it is to service the original.

That Apple may at their option replace an iPhone with a refurbished unit is clearly stated in the warranty. You would almost certainly not notice the difference between a new iPhone and a refurbished unit in any case, since Apple extensively reconditions an iPhone during the process, and probably would not have known if you weren't told.

In any case, you have no choice. You will get a refurbished phone.

Regards.

No, I don't think it unfair. Why does it matter, as long as the iPhone works as it should and looks like new?

The warranty of the original new phone is still in force. You have the same exact warranty on the replacement you had on the original. 1 Year parts and labor based on the purchase date of the original phone.

In the US, there is a 30 day return window. If you're not happy, bring it back and get a refund within 30 days of the ORIGINAL purchase. If you're within that window, return it. Get your money back, then buy a brand new one.

The one you returned was not new, it was 35 days old. A refurb unit will have less use than that and will look and function like brand new. You come out ahead, why the complaining?

Iphones that get labeled as refurbished are actually less likely to have additional problem. This is due to the fact that Apple puts them through more exhaustive testing than a new one off the line. So in truth a refurbished phone is better than what you had even if it hadn't had any problems.

There is nothing wrong with a refurbished iPhone, or a refurbished Apple product in general. I have had a refurbished iPhone 4 for about two weeks now. I bought it because it was cheaper than a brand new iPhone 4. When I received the phone, it looked brand new to me. I am very happy with it. A few years ago I bought a refurbished iPod and never had any trouble with it either (I later sold it).

Hey mate,

I got my iPhone replaced a couple of months ago and got a refurb, the seria started with 5K. I had some problems with that iPhone and went to the Apple store today, and they replaced my phone again, and i told them i was angry from being told my 5K phone was brand new when it was a refurb, so they gave me a brand new phone from the black box. The phone serial started with 8803, and was 100% brand new.

I know how you feel. Apple is super FRUGAL!!!!!

Replacing a new product with a 'second hand' refurbished product is wrong and unfair - it is also contrary to consumer law in many countries.

In the UK if a product is faulty, the consumer has the legal right to choose either a replacement (not refurbished), a repair or a full (or partial) refund if the product is less than six months old. If the product is older than six months the consumer still has these rights but the burden of proof moves to the consumer.

Please don't be put off by Apple spouting policy as this cannot over ride your statutory rights.

If that's what you believe, then call a lawyer.