Apple's one-year limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It excludes accidental damage, cosmetic wear, unauthorised modification and normal battery ageing. Apple decides whether to repair, replace or refund.
Warranty documents are long and legalistic. Here's what Apple's one-year limited warranty actually means for an iPhone owner, based on Apple's published terms.
What's covered
- Defects in materials and workmanship in the iPhone and the accessories in the box.
- One year from the date of original retail purchase by the first owner.
- Repairs with new or equivalent-to-new Apple parts.
- Complimentary technical support for 90 days after purchase.
What isn't covered
| Exclusion | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Accidental damage | Drops, cracked glass, bent frames and crushed ports are paid repairs unless you have AppleCare+. |
| Liquid damage | iPhone is water resistant, not waterproof. Liquid damage is treated as accidental damage. |
| Cosmetic damage | Scratches and dents that don't affect function aren't covered. |
| Consumables | The battery is covered for defects, but not for normal capacity loss over time. |
| Unauthorised service | Damage caused by repairs from anyone other than Apple or an Apple Authorised Service Provider. |
| Non-Apple parts | Damage caused by third-party components that don't meet Apple's specifications. |
| Altered serial numbers | Phones with removed or defaced serials aren't eligible. |
| Locked devices | Phones reported stolen, or where Activation Lock can't be removed and ownership can't be shown. |
Repair, replace or refund — who decides?
Apple chooses the remedy. Most iPhone faults are fixed by a part repair or a replacement unit. The replacement is normally the same model; a different model with similar features is only offered with your consent. A refund of the purchase price is possible but uncommon.
Warranty on the repair itself
A repaired or replacement iPhone is covered for the rest of the original warranty or 90 days, whichever is longer. Repairs bought out of warranty from Apple also carry their own 90-day cover on the part.
Your data
Apple's terms are explicit: back up before service. The phone may be erased or replaced, and Apple isn't responsible for recovering data.
The warranty is in addition to your legal rights
Apple states that its warranty gives rights separate from — and in addition to — consumer law. In the UAE, retailers also have obligations under Federal Law No. 15 of 2020 on Consumer Protection.
Frequently asked questions
Does the iPhone warranty cover the battery?
Only if it's defective. Normal capacity loss with age isn't covered. AppleCare+ covers batteries that fall below 80% of original capacity.
Does it cover water damage?
No. Liquid damage counts as accidental damage, even though iPhones are rated IP68.
Does a screen protector or case void the warranty?
No. Accessories don't void the warranty, though damage they cause isn't covered.
Sources
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