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Consumer rights
Getting a refund for that iPhone app you don't want has become a lot easier
iPhone and iPad users now have 14 days to request a refund for any app, song, album or book they purchase without having to give a reason.
IF YOU PURCHASED an app, music album, or book on your iPhone or iPad over the Christmas period and would like to return it, we have good news.
Apple’s updated terms and conditions now allows users to request refunds for apps and other services within 14 days of purchasing it without having to provide a reason for it.
While you could get a refund of items purchased in the last 90 days, you have to say why you’re requesting one in the first place. Now if you request a refund within the first 14 days of purchase, you won’t have to provide a reason.
The offer applies to iTunes, App Store and iBooks and applies to all EU users. This doesn’t apply to iTunes Gift Cards, however, once you’ve redeemed the code.
The terms now read:
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.
To get this refund, you must sign into your Apple account and go into your purchase history. Once there, you will see a list of all your purchases within the last 90 days. Clicking on Report a Problem will allow you to request a refund (and give the reason for one if the 14-day period has passed).
[image alt="Apple refund 14 day" src="http://cdn.thejournal.ie/media/2014/12/apple-refund-14-day-630x209.jpg" width="630" height="209" title="" class="alignnone" /end]
According to 9to5mac, this change is down to a new consumer rights directive in the EU which introduced a 14 day right of cancellation or return period for goods and services purchased in Europe. These guidelines have been in place since June, but it’s only recently that Apple updated its terms and conditions.
For Google Play, you have a two-hour window to decide whether you want an app or not. In the case of monthly subscriptions, you have 14 days to cancel it once it comes into effect otherwise you will be charged for that month if you cancel.
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