Scores reflect the Overall AI Score for each category
Based on recent customer reviews, Apple South Africa is described by customers who admire the hardware but struggle badly with everything that happens after the sale. A recurring theme is unauthorised or trial-related subscription charges that are never refunded, alongside repair, warranty and return disputes at iStore branches. Customers consistently report unanswered emails, missed callbacks and long call centre loops, with in-store managers seen as inflexible on refunds and handling fees.
Top Strengths:
- •Product Quality & Performance: Customers praise MacBooks, iPods and the iPhone 17 Pro for performance, finish and longevity, plus dependable iCloud syncing. However, iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe updates, overheating iPad Air M3 units and failed water resistance dominate the recent commentary.
TrustIndex
1.9
NPS Score
-72
Recommended: Unlikely
Dec '25 - Nov '26
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple South Africa
What do customers say about Apple South Africa?
Based on recent customer reviews, Apple South Africa is described by customers who admire the hardware but struggle badly with everything that happens after the sale. A recurring theme is unauthorised or trial-related subscription charges that are never refunded, alongside repair, warranty and return disputes at iStore branches. Customers consistently report unanswered emails, missed callbacks and long call centre loops, with in-store managers seen as inflexible on refunds and handling fees.
What is Apple South Africa's biggest strength?
Apple South Africa's biggest strength, according to Hellopeter's AI analysis, is Product Quality & Performance. Customers praise MacBooks, iPods and the iPhone 17 Pro for performance, finish and longevity, plus dependable iCloud syncing. However, iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe updates, overheating iPad Air M3 units and failed water resistance dominate the recent commentary.
What are the most common complaints about Apple South Africa?
The most common complaint about Apple South Africa, based on Hellopeter's AI analysis of recent customer reviews, is Returns, Warranty & Repairs. This is the weakest area customers describe. Subscription refund requests are rejected without explanation, iStore applies a twenty percent handling fee on returns within seven days, out of box failures trigger repeated assessments, and devices return from repair with fresh damage.
Is Apple South Africa trustworthy?
Apple South Africa has a TrustIndex of 1.9 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 65 reviews in the last 12 months. Hellopeter has tracked Apple South Africa across 1,121 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (65)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Jun 2023
APPLE SUPPORT IN SOUTH AFRICA IS UTTERLY PATHETIC, TO SAY THE FLIPPING LEAST, MAN!!!
I was NEVER a fan of Apple products! A very good friend of mine gifted me with an iPhone. Safety and security, said my friend! ********!!! If ANYONE from Apple South Africa is reading this review, I CHALLENGE you to prove me wrong!!! Not even in my wildest of dreams will I EVER think of an Apple product again!!! NEVER!!! You, Apple, have LOST an extremely patient client with your UTTER ****!!! NO MORE APPLE PRODUCTS!!!
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2023
APPLE SUPPORT IN SOUTH AFRICA IS UTTERLY PATHETIC, TO SAY THE FLIPPING LEAST, MAN!!!
I was NEVER a fan of Apple products! A very good friend of mine gifted me with an iPhone. Safety and security, said my friend! ********!!! If ANYONE from Apple South Africa is reading this review, I CHALLENGE you to prove me wrong!!! Not even in my wildest of dreams will I EVER think of an Apple product again!!! NEVER!!! You, Apple, have LOST an extremely patient client with your UTTER ****!!! NO MORE APPLE PRODUCTS!!!
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2012
Apple SA: battery failed at 42 cycles, and I can't even get my laptop back
On 20 October I opened a live chat with Apple Support (case ***) about my MacBook Air M2. I bought it new from Takealot in May 2025 for R16,999. At just 42 charge cycles its battery failed Apple's own Combined Battery Test. Apple says MacBook batteries are designed to keep 80% of their capacity at 1,000 cycles, so mine gave out at about 4% of its rated life. The advisor noted my Consumer Protection Act point "for consideration". He then told me Apple needs to run its own remote diagnostic before it will escalate. I can't run it, because the laptop is still at iStore Sandton City and iStore won't release it until I pay an unexplained "outstanding" amount. I've already paid them R600 and declined their repair. I've asked them in writing on 20, 22 and 27 October what this extra charge is and on what basis. They haven't answered once. So Apple won't act without a diagnostic, and iStore won't give back my own laptop or say what they want for it. Meanwhile, Apple has not contacted me at all since 20 October. iStore, Apple's authorised reseller, has also quoted me R5,246.08 to replace a battery that should have lasted years. They call it "out of warranty". They also claimed I left the laptop uncharged, then admitted they have no evidence for that. The matter is now with the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (case ***). A R17,000 laptop shouldn't need a R5,000 battery after 42 cycles. Section 55 of the Consumer Protection Act says goods must be reasonably durable, and that applies to Apple as the maker. South African customers deserve better than a chat window and silence. Apple, I'm still waiting. Please contact me on case ***.
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2012
Apple SA: battery failed at 42 cycles, and I can't even get my laptop back
On 20 October I opened a live chat with Apple Support (case ***) about my MacBook Air M2. I bought it new from Takealot in May 2025 for R16,999. At just 42 charge cycles its battery failed Apple's own Combined Battery Test. Apple says MacBook batteries are designed to keep 80% of their capacity at 1,000 cycles, so mine gave out at about 4% of its rated life. The advisor noted my Consumer Protection Act point "for consideration". He then told me Apple needs to run its own remote diagnostic before it will escalate. I can't run it, because the laptop is still at iStore Sandton City and iStore won't release it until I pay an unexplained "outstanding" amount. I've already paid them R600 and declined their repair. I've asked them in writing on 20, 22 and 27 October what this extra charge is and on what basis. They haven't answered once. So Apple won't act without a diagnostic, and iStore won't give back my own laptop or say what they want for it. Meanwhile, Apple has not contacted me at all since 20 October. iStore, Apple's authorised reseller, has also quoted me R5,246.08 to replace a battery that should have lasted years. They call it "out of warranty". They also claimed I left the laptop uncharged, then admitted they have no evidence for that. The matter is now with the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (case ***). A R17,000 laptop shouldn't need a R5,000 battery after 42 cycles. Section 55 of the Consumer Protection Act says goods must be reasonably durable, and that applies to Apple as the maker. South African customers deserve better than a chat window and silence. Apple, I'm still waiting. Please contact me on case ***.
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2010
Apple TV users 2-step OTP verification system error.
Why does apple not resolve the issue with Apple TV subscriptions in South Africa. This is even mentioned several times on Google reviews by apple product users. For some reason after entering the your website email profile to the point when you receive the OTP for 2-step mobile number verification. You are greeted with an "system error message" with no further entry in your account.
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2010
Apple TV users 2-step OTP verification system error.
Why does apple not resolve the issue with Apple TV subscriptions in South Africa. This is even mentioned several times on Google reviews by apple product users. For some reason after entering the your website email profile to the point when you receive the OTP for 2-step mobile number verification. You are greeted with an "system error message" with no further entry in your account.
1 reviews | Active since Jun 2023
The Apple is ROTTEN!!!
Guys, Apple is interested only in your hard-earned money and in making a sale! Apple's support here in South Africa is Pathetic, to say the flipping least! Boycott ALL Apple products, seriously!
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2018
Apple Support – Unauthorized Subscription
I’m extremely disappointed with Apple Support. Two subscriptions of R799 and R199 (R998 total) were made by a minor on 30 August 2026 through the Apple account *** without my authorization. I contacted Apple Support on 1 September, immediately after noticing the deductions, and requested a refund. Despite being aware that the account holder is a minor, Apple refused to refund the money.
1 reviews | Active since Mar 2018
Apple Support – Unauthorized Subscription
I’m extremely disappointed with Apple Support. Two subscriptions of R799 and R199 (R998 total) were made by a minor on 30 August 2026 through the Apple account *** without my authorization. I contacted Apple Support on 1 September, immediately after noticing the deductions, and requested a refund. Despite being aware that the account holder is a minor, Apple refused to refund the money.
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2020
Bad service
Since the 28th I returned the screen protector to be refunded till today I’m still waiting for my refund, please advice when will I get my refund because your time frame has already passed. Or maybe I must go another route or to another shop to be helped??? I just sent this email to the person who helped me yesterday and they didn’t even bother to respond “Nondumiso Masanabo” but anyway I’m not surprised by their action because they aren’t friendly at all they have a very bad attitude I don’t know whether they didn’t expect a black person to buy and return their product even though I did give them a valid reason of me returning it.
1 reviews | Active since Nov 2020
Bad service
Since the 28th I returned the screen protector to be refunded till today I’m still waiting for my refund, please advice when will I get my refund because your time frame has already passed. Or maybe I must go another route or to another shop to be helped??? I just sent this email to the person who helped me yesterday and they didn’t even bother to respond “Nondumiso Masanabo” but anyway I’m not surprised by their action because they aren’t friendly at all they have a very bad attitude I don’t know whether they didn’t expect a black person to buy and return their product even though I did give them a valid reason of me returning it.
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2010
iStore Online Cellular / Telkom Contract Application – No Communication or Follow-Up
I submitted my Telkom contract application through iStore Online Cellular on 29 July 2026. On 31 July 2026, I received an email confirming that the initial verification of my contract application had been completed. I was advised that a Cellular Sales Consultant would contact me within 7 days to discuss the details of my contract, and that if they were unable to reach me by phone, they would follow up via email. Today is 11 August 2026, and I have still received no phone call, email or any feedback whatsoever regarding my application. I have now sent three follow-up emails asking for an update. I have even specifically requested a contact number that I can call directly to follow up on my application, but nobody has responded to me. I have made every reasonable effort to resolve this directly with iStore Online Cellular, but I am being completely ignored. I find this extremely disappointing and unprofessional. I understand that applications may take time to process, but there should at least be basic communication with the customer, especially when I was already informed that my verification had been completed and that I would be contacted within seven days. I would like iStore Online Cellular to urgently provide me with an update on my application, explain the reason for the lack of communication, and provide me with a contact number or have a consultant contact me directly. I am hoping that raising this complaint will finally result in someone taking ownership of my application and assisting me.
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2010
iStore Online Cellular / Telkom Contract Application – No Communication or Follow-Up
I submitted my Telkom contract application through iStore Online Cellular on 29 July 2026. On 31 July 2026, I received an email confirming that the initial verification of my contract application had been completed. I was advised that a Cellular Sales Consultant would contact me within 7 days to discuss the details of my contract, and that if they were unable to reach me by phone, they would follow up via email. Today is 11 August 2026, and I have still received no phone call, email or any feedback whatsoever regarding my application. I have now sent three follow-up emails asking for an update. I have even specifically requested a contact number that I can call directly to follow up on my application, but nobody has responded to me. I have made every reasonable effort to resolve this directly with iStore Online Cellular, but I am being completely ignored. I find this extremely disappointing and unprofessional. I understand that applications may take time to process, but there should at least be basic communication with the customer, especially when I was already informed that my verification had been completed and that I would be contacted within seven days. I would like iStore Online Cellular to urgently provide me with an update on my application, explain the reason for the lack of communication, and provide me with a contact number or have a consultant contact me directly. I am hoping that raising this complaint will finally result in someone taking ownership of my application and assisting me.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2023
CamScanner Charged R880 After 3-Day Free Trial
I am extremely disappointed that CamScanner charged me R880 after I signed up for what was presented as a 3-day free trial. I did not intend to continue with a paid subscription after the trial period. However, I was charged R880 after the trial ended. I believe the payment was unexpected and I was not sufficiently informed that I would be charged this amount. I am requesting that CamScanner investigate this transaction and issue me with a full refund of R880. I would also like confirmation that the subscription has been cancelled and that no further payments will be deducted. I have proof of the trial offer and the R880 transaction and can provide screenshots if necessary. I hope this matter can be resolved promptly.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2023
CamScanner Charged R880 After 3-Day Free Trial
I am extremely disappointed that CamScanner charged me R880 after I signed up for what was presented as a 3-day free trial. I did not intend to continue with a paid subscription after the trial period. However, I was charged R880 after the trial ended. I believe the payment was unexpected and I was not sufficiently informed that I would be charged this amount. I am requesting that CamScanner investigate this transaction and issue me with a full refund of R880. I would also like confirmation that the subscription has been cancelled and that no further payments will be deducted. I have proof of the trial offer and the R880 transaction and can provide screenshots if necessary. I hope this matter can be resolved promptly.