Apple is now giving European customers the opportunity to get full refunds on any iTunes, App Store and iBooks purchases within 14 days of receiving the receipt.
The change in policy gives users a “right of cancellation,” within the two week time-frame without the need to provide a valid reason.
Users do have to put their request in writing with a written statement or by using the in-app ‘Report a Problem’ tool, but aside from that it’s plain sailing for refund requests on digital purchases.
Once the purchase is cancelled, Apple says users will receive their refunds within 5-7 days.
The updated terms and conditions (via 9to5Mac) state: “Right of cancellation: If you choose to cancel your order, you may do so within 14 days from when you received your receipt without giving any reason, except iTunes Gifts which cannot be refunded once you have redeemed the code.”
Previously the firm’s policy had been that all purchases were final, unless it granted the consumer an exemption, so it’s a pretty large shift from the Cupertino-based firm.
The change comes in order to comply with European consumer regulations that give customers in many EAA countries the right to a 14-day return period for goods and services.
The European Commission guidelines were first established in June, but Apple has only made the change to its policy within the last month.
UPDATE: SlashGear is now also reporting Google has updated its own terms to allow for 14 day returns, up from its previously stated 2-hour window.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
