EU users can now get two-week refunds for iTunes and App Store purchases

Overzealous shopper rejoice: Apple has just introduced a 14-day no-questions-asked return policy for iTunes, App Store and iBooks purchases in EU countries, reports 9to5Mac.

While iTunes refunds are handled by Apple’s support team case by case — users need to launch iTunes and use the Report a Problem procedure with their purchases to request refunds — across the globe, the company’s updated terms for EU countries now feature a 14-day return window, which 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.

This change may have been driven by a new EU consumer rights directive [PDF link] from June that lists a 14-day return period or right of cancellation for goods and services purchased in EEA countries.

Google complies in part with this requirement: it allows Play Store refunds for movies, TV and music subscriptions for up to 14 days in the EU, but books and music only get a seven day return window. App refund requests are only good for up to two hours after purchase.

Developers and content creators are not going to be too happy about the new return policy. Two weeks’ time is generally sufficient to finish a mobile game or book, and wily users may simply return their purchases when they’re done and get their money back.

➤ Apple introduces 14-day no questions asked refunds for App Store & iTunes in EU countries [9to5Mac]