Please be warned if you take your devices to this location for repairs, thoroughly examine your devices before signing any release waivers. Better yet, go to a different location, ship it in, or even opt for a third-party repair at this point. During pickup, the staff rushed us out the door and did not do any due diligence in taking care of our devices. We took two phones to get batteries replaced and received them both back with new damages on the frame in similar spots. We noticed one also had a small gap that exposed the charging port brackets after the repair, and they dismissed our concerns about the water resistance integrity going forward. If the phone does have a water seal issue and somehow gets submerged, I have zero doubt they would deflect, gaslight, and blame us without any sympathy or responsibility for their shoddy repairs. Not sure if it’s a training or technique issue, a repair tool issue, or just a matter of the techs rushing, but they unapologetically dismissed us when we brought our devices in to share the experience. They couldn’t even be bothered to note down feedback that their own official repair process caused what they called “cosmetic” damages to not just one device, but 2/2 devices. That is no longer an isolated incident, and even if cosmetic, should not be consistently occurring to this extent during an official repair. When we received the phones back, one of the screen protectors was clearly removed and reapplied hanging over the edge that had the new scuff, as if they intentionally tried to obfuscate and hide the damage they caused. They even took intake photos with vague, exaggerated condition notes about “scratches” and “discoloration” that simply were not present on the device during intake. What’s the point of the intake photos if not to verify and document the condition of the devices and any wear that was already present before they got their hands on them? Regardless of what you may personally find acceptable in terms of cosmetic damages, the flagrantly dismissive responses, unapologetic, and irresponsible handling of devices at the official store is not only disappointing, but straight up disrespectful. There is simply no reason to defend a 4 trillion dollar corporation. This experience has us questioning not only their integrity, but the overall value proposition of choosing an official repair over a third-party one. We’ve visited random repair shops in Shenzhen that take care better precautions for device repairs, using protective films along the frame during repairs and taking other measures, to ensure that the condition of the customer’s devices are returned in the same condition, not worse. Even if there was nothing further they could do, simply noting down and showing willingness and commitment to share the experience with higher-ups about potential issues in the repair process whether it’s tools/rushing due to high repair loads that lead to cosmetic damages would be the bare minimum so that other customers don’t experience the same problems going forward, not deflecting and dismissing.
TR
Tracey Ross
Jun 26, 2026
Business account customer. I brought my laptop in after accidentally dropping it. I have AppleCare and rely on this laptop daily for my business, so I needed it addressed quickly. I was told the first available appointment was five days out at the Carlsbad store, later finding out they should have gotten me in that day, and they wouldn't accommodate me as a walk-in despite several employees visibly standing around with no customers. Even if those particular staff members weren't trained to handle check-ins, a store this size should have enough coverage to help business customers facing time-sensitive equipment issues. For a service tier I'm paying for, this fell well short.
To make matters worse, after driving 45 minutes for the appointment three days later, I was told my laptop would now be out for an additional 7-10 days. Being without my computer for nearly two weeks total has a real impact on my work, and the lack of urgency throughout this process was frustrating given what I'm paying for in AppleCare coverage.
I am a Make A Wish wish granter and today I had a wish kid come into the store to get an Apple watch that was on his list. I had called ahead to check out the lay of the land and chatted with Anthony, one of the managers, he made me feel reassured ahead of time that our Wish kid was going to get a great experience. This morning I came into the store to wait for wish kid and met with Anthony, Brian, Maddie and Carlos. We discussed what kind of entrance my wish kid would like. I was appreciative that the employees were willing to go all out to welcome our 9 year old kid into the store (applause, doors opening etc). But ultimately we decided that wouldn't be value added for our kid, so we went with the low key option.
When our kid got to the store Maddie had the exact model of the watch our kid was interested in ready to go and they had Carlos dedicated to helping our kid get his phone set up. I could tell that Carlos has helped many people with their products with the way that he gave clear and easy directions and had a lot of patience. What a great experience. Our kid was thrilled with his new watch.... thanks Apple!
I had an outstanding experience at the Apple Store thanks to Armand, who went above and beyond from the moment I walked in. He greeted me warmly, took the time to actually understand what I needed, and never once made me feel rushed or like just another customer in line.
What stood out most was how knowledgeable he was. He answered every question clearly, explained my options without any pressure, and made sure I understood exactly what I was getting and why it was the right fit for me. When something wasn’t straightforward, he stuck with it and worked through it patiently until everything was sorted.
Armand has that rare combination of real expertise and genuine friendliness. He was personable, easy to talk to, and clearly cares about making sure people leave happy. Honestly, he turned what could have been a routine errand into a great visit.
If you’re heading to this store, ask for Armand. He’s spectacular at what he does, and Apple is lucky to have him. Five stars without hesitation.
KA
Kanav Aggarwal
Jun 16, 2026
Don't buy apple
Stupid store. If you are planning to buy apple its not worth it. Their support is a joke.
You can't do anything without an iphone. And even if you have one, they will simply make it obsolete by removing compatibility.
For online support they can't help because of stupid apple policy. And in store support makes you wait for 4hrs.
Apple care? Pay every month and then pay another deductible to fix it. And you can't repair it anywhere because they are made so.
Made a mistake buying an apple. They sell you already eaten apple that's rotting from inside.