Apple’s quietly adjusted the Terms and Conditions for iTunes sales, allowing for a fourteen day refund window… but only in Europe. Don’t hold your breath for the same kind of deal down under.
The Verge notes the change in Apple policy, which appears to apply to most EU countries. Specifically, in Apple’s terms and conditions for those countries, the relevant paragraph reads
“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.”
Whereas in Australia, refunds are addressed as follows
“If a product becomes unavailable following a transaction but prior to download, your sole remedy is a refund, to the full extent permitted by law. If technical problems prevent or unreasonably delay delivery of your product, your exclusive and sole remedy is either replacement or refund of the price paid, as determined by Apple. Your statutory rights are not affected.”
Why a more generous and open-ended policy for those pesky northern hemisphere types?
It comes down to consumer law, and specifically an EU directive that requires a 14 day refund window. It’s apparently one that Apple could have sidestepped due to iTunes purchases being digital goods, but hasn’t opted to do so.
Meanwhile in Australia, Apple’s complying with local consumer law, because goods have to be “fit for purpose”, but like any other retailer, it’s not required to offer a refund for other reasons, including a change of mind.
[Via The Verge]