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serenamina
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

In-store exchange for iPhone 18 Pro Max with split payment refund

I bought an 18 pro max today in black, but I want to go back and exchange it for a different color. How does the in-store exchange/refund process work?


I split the purchase in half; one method was with my Apple account balance and the other was with a debit card. If half is refunded to the debit card I won’t have enough to “purchase” the new color until the refund kicks in the next day or so.


Is there a way around this where Apple can refund the debit card half to a gift card instead so that I can get my exchange that same day?

Posted on Sep 19, 2026 8:36 PM

4 replies

Servant of Cats
User level: Level 9 (55,707 points)

Sep 19, 2026 11:31 PM in response to Hoo63

Hoo63 wrote:
Verizon charges a $50 restocking fee. I'm sure Apple charges something as well.


Apple doesn't charge a restocking fee – if the phone is returned in good condition within 14 days of purchase.


However, given that the iPhone 18 Pro Max is a new model, in high demand, I'm not sure whether a retail Apple Store would have one with a different color available "that same day", even if the timing of the financing can be made to work out. That's something else that the OP will need to check with Apple.

Zurarczurx
User level: Level 6 (8,142 points)

Sep 19, 2026 11:27 PM in response to Hoo63

Apple doesn't charge a re-stocking fee. The OP has 14 days to return it.

Hoo63
User level: Level 1 (45 points)

Sep 19, 2026 11:15 PM in response to serenamina

Verizon charges a $50 restocking fee. I'm sure Apple charges something as well.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256360868