Level 1 (4 points)

Slightly misaligned screen protector on iPhone 18 Pro Max

On October 2nd, I went to the Shinjuku Apple Store, bought a new iPhone 18 Pro Max and had a Belkin screen protector applied. However, I noticed some slight misalignment on the left side of the screen when watching some YouTube videos. After reading some threads online it was said that Apple would do the screen protector replacement within two weeks of purchase since this was an employee mistake.

I decided to visit the Apple Store and talked to some staff and was told that I needed to submit a Claims request via Belkin. Is this the correct approach or do I have a right to have the screen protector replaced without going through the claims request?

I would appreciate any answers, thank you.

Posted on Oct 11, 2026 7:38 PM

2 replies

Anthony_Ace

Level 1 (8 points)

Oct 11, 2026 9:27 PM in response to Inserthouse

Note when I say this that I am NOT an Apple Store employee. And an actual employee can correct me if I’m wrong.

I believe that it is Apple Store policy to replace a screen protector if it is bought at the store, was applied by a store employee, AND the error was caught immediately. If you noticed it and came back later or another day, the store has no way of verifying that they were the ones that applied the screen protector (not like it’s on a receipt or anything). Especially since you are probably now talking to a different employee, much less if that original employee would even remember you at all (having likely dealt with hundreds of customers since then). So in that way, it makes sense that they are telling you to go to Belkin. Once Belkin sends you a free replacement, then the Apple Store will apply it for free.

Apple Store employees and managers are generally very nice people in my experience, willing to make many exceptions for Apple clients. So if you go back and ask very nicely, there is a chance they might do it for you anyway. Otherwise, I would take the Belkin warranty option.

Inserthouse Author

Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 12, 2026 12:53 AM in response to Anthony_Ace

Hi and thank you again for your kind input. I have submitted the claims request in regard to this. In addition, I have scheduled an appointment at the Genius Bar. Maybe this time I can have a better chance at explaining my situation more nicely. When I walked in it was kind of busy so it was not the best situation to explain my issue. I’ll let you know what happens next and thanks again.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256374497