We stand up for your legal rights
How long should an iPad Air last?
Q An iPad Air 2020 (pictured) that I bought for £500 from John Lewis stopped charging after two and a half years. The Apple store I took it to said the charging point is faulty, and they offered me a new one if I paid £459. John Lewis says I have to prove the fault was inherent and offered me a £100 refund. Surely a hardware failure must be a problem with a component that existed when I bought it?
Clare Kelly
A Not necessarily. A hardware problem can also be caused by accidental damage or even fair wear and tear. In these cases, it wouldn’t be covered by the Consumer Rights Act (CRA). You’d have to pay to repair or replace the item unless you were covered by home or outdoor insurance.
John Lewis is also correct in saying that Clare must supply proof that the fault is inherent – ie, one that existed at the time of sale even if it took a while to become evident. This is because more than six months have passed since purchase.
To fight her case, Clare will need to have the charging point inspected by professionals. This could cost up to £100, so we’ve suggested she asks Apple to take another look and tell her exactly how this hardware failure occurred. It’s not legally responsible for replacing the iPad or giving her a refund, but any insight it can provide will help in her case against John Lewis – and might mean she won’t need to pay to have the iPad examined.
If Clare can prove the iPad is inherently faulty then John Lewis will not only have to repair or replace the iPad but pay any expenses Clare incurs, including the cost of having the the iPad examined.
CASE ONGOING
Should I refuse scam deliveries?
Q In Issue 671’s Protect Your Tech (page 11) you explained how scammers are ordering items such as mobile phones to be delivered to random addresses, only then to retrieve the product soon after disguised as a fake courier. If I suspect this is happening to me, can I refuse to accept the original delivery?
Keith Seed
AYes, you can refuse delivery, but first you should check whether the courier has simply got the wrong address. If they insist it’s correct and you’re certain you didn’t order the item, then you should tell them to take it back. If they refuse, you should ask to see their official ID and say you plan to contact their company. Should they become aggressive, just close the door and phone the police.
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