A Russian consumer rights advocate, Oleg Pavlov, who leads Public Consumer Initiative, explains how defective iPhones are handled under parallel import schemes. He notes that in Russia, inspections for a defective device are limited to 30 days from discovery, a window shaped by local consumer protection rules and the specifics of the seller’s obligations.
Since the iPhone 15 entered the market, discussions across social channels and consumer forums have highlighted a range of issues. Reports describe problems such as speaker distortion, complications with car integration, and screens that fail sooner than expected. In the United States and other major markets, customers often receive a replacement device when a fault is confirmed. In Russia, Pavlov stresses that the remedy is largely anchored to the seller, with outcomes varying based on warranty status and individual case details.
Warranty status remains a major factor in the success of a return. When a valid warranty exists, problems are typically resolved with minimal friction either through online channels or at a retail location, according to the expert.
At the point of defect detection, the buyer should submit a claim to the seller. The seller is then obligated to address one of the consumer’s requests, either by replacing the device or repairing it. In these scenarios, the seller bears the costs of the inspection.
Regarding refunds, the window is tight for minor defects, with a money-back option generally available within the first 15 days after purchase. A full refund is usually tied to substantial defects where the cost of remediation is close to or exceeds the price of a new iPhone, Pavlov notes. A significant defect here is defined as one where repair costs nearly equal the device’s price.
According to the specialist, the permissible inspection period under the law shifts based on the consumer’s objective. If the goal is a cash refund, the inspection should conclude within 10 days. If the aim is repair or replacement, the period can extend to 30 days.
When warranty is absent, a consumer may request a review at their discretion. In such cases, a refund request can be filed within two years from the purchase date, provided the selling entity remains a registered business.
The lawyer also notes that buying a new iPhone without a warranty under parallel import schemes is not unusual. These devices often appear as limited shipments from other markets and are sold through social networks, messaging apps, and smaller online or offline outlets. In many instances, sellers operating in small batches may themselves dissolve the business, making accountability for defects more complicated.
Under these conditions, a consumer facing a defect may struggle to obtain a remedy from the seller, creating a direct challenge in asserting a claim. This highlights the importance of understanding local consumer protection rules and the practical realities of parallel import sales in the region.
Recent industry analyses have also noted that the iPhone 15’s display quality has drawn comparisons with other flagship smartphones, fueling ongoing conversations about product performance and quality assurance in the market.