Based on recent customer reviews, Apple South Africa faces significant challenges across nearly every dimension of customer experience. The overwhelming majority of feedback is negative, with customers consistently describing unresolved complaints, billing disputes, product failures, and a lack of accountability. While a small number of customers praise product aesthetics and occasional in-store friendliness, these positives are heavily outweighed by recurring frustrations with support, refunds, and product reliability.
Top Strengths:
- •Platform Usability & Functionality: A few customers praise the MacBook Air and iPhone 17 Pro for excellent design, colour options, and smooth performance when devices work as intended. Product aesthetics receive occasional positive mentions.
TrustIndex
2.0
Score
Ranking
#51
in Software & Apps
NPS Score
-86
Recommended: Unlikely
Apr '25 - Mar '26
Recent reviews (76)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperiencePopular mentions
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I need assistance
I got ****** on Sunday 8March 2025 and my iPhone 13 was taken. I've contacted both Rain and Apple to block the device. Rain told me they can't blacklist the phone and to contact the manufacturer (Apple), but Apple hasn't helped either. Neither asked for the IMEI number, but Apple gave me a case number.When I tried to log into my account, I didn't get a confirmation email about the device being locked. I'm worried about the security of my info.The only thing I need now is an ITC number so my insurance can process my claim. I'm really disappointed with both Rain and Apple
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I need assistance
I got ****** on Sunday 8March 2025 and my iPhone 13 was taken. I've contacted both Rain and Apple to block the device. Rain told me they can't blacklist the phone and to contact the manufacturer (Apple), but Apple hasn't helped either. Neither asked for the IMEI number, but Apple gave me a case number.When I tried to log into my account, I didn't get a confirmation email about the device being locked. I'm worried about the security of my info.The only thing I need now is an ITC number so my insurance can process my claim. I'm really disappointed with both Rain and Apple
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
No Response
Requested removal of Apple activation lock twice no with no feedback from Apple. This has become so frustrating and not the type of service I expected from Apple.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
No Response
Requested removal of Apple activation lock twice no with no feedback from Apple. This has become so frustrating and not the type of service I expected from Apple.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Disgraceful treatment of I Store customer IPad
I have a nearly 6 months argument with I store pavilion which sold a young man a IPAd M3 that is not fit for purpose. When we returned it within leas that 7 days they refused a refund wanted to test it “away for.is in their environment” then obvsioluly claiming there is nothing wrong. And I if we want to a refund they keep 20%. Totally ignoring South African law. This is causing huge amount.of sstress on an already ill young man and might cost him his internship. They don’t care. They are a horrible store.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Disgraceful treatment of I Store customer IPad
I have a nearly 6 months argument with I store pavilion which sold a young man a IPAd M3 that is not fit for purpose. When we returned it within leas that 7 days they refused a refund wanted to test it “away for.is in their environment” then obvsioluly claiming there is nothing wrong. And I if we want to a refund they keep 20%. Totally ignoring South African law. This is causing huge amount.of sstress on an already ill young man and might cost him his internship. They don’t care. They are a horrible store.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Customer Service Non-Existent
Signed up for Apple TV (trial of 7 days) Cancelled the trial within 2 days. Apple went and charged me a month subscription but cannot watch anything. I need to sign up (and pay another months subscription) !!!! Cannot submit for a refund because the page just keeps buffering (have tried numerous times over the last week) and there is no one to speak to about this issue. Very frustrated at the lack of customer service available to customers with subscription issues.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Customer Service Non-Existent
Signed up for Apple TV (trial of 7 days) Cancelled the trial within 2 days. Apple went and charged me a month subscription but cannot watch anything. I need to sign up (and pay another months subscription) !!!! Cannot submit for a refund because the page just keeps buffering (have tried numerous times over the last week) and there is no one to speak to about this issue. Very frustrated at the lack of customer service available to customers with subscription issues.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Apple series 10 coating peeling off after a month off use
me and my wife is currently having a bad experience with apple overall i bought my wife a brand new apple watch series 10 and the watches coating on the bottom has come off after less than 2 months of use i took the watch back and they cant replace it as they state that they can only fix the watch if there is a technical fault , i sent an email to talk 2 us and after more than a week we received no feedback , i wouldnt recommend it by any means
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Apple series 10 coating peeling off after a month off use
me and my wife is currently having a bad experience with apple overall i bought my wife a brand new apple watch series 10 and the watches coating on the bottom has come off after less than 2 months of use i took the watch back and they cant replace it as they state that they can only fix the watch if there is a technical fault , i sent an email to talk 2 us and after more than a week we received no feedback , i wouldnt recommend it by any means
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Apple Watch rendered unusable after in-store advice
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to lodge a formal complaint regarding an incident that occurred at the iStore, Centurion Mall, on 4 February 2026 at approximately 15:45. Summary of events I visited the store with my iPhone 8 and Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS). My concern was that the Bluetooth connection between the phone and the watch was not functioning. However, the watch was still operational and synchronising with the iPhone via Wi-Fi. I demonstrated this in store by: Connecting to the store’s Wi-Fi, and Recording a short activity, which appeared correctly in the Fitness app on the iPhone. This confirmed that synchronisation was still working via Wi-Fi. Proof can be provided if required. This setup was sufficient for my needs, as I primarily use the watch for fitness tracking and Discovery Vitality points. Advice given in store The technician advised that I should reset the Apple Watch and then pair it again to resolve the Bluetooth issue. I specifically asked whether the watch would still function after the reset. I was advised that the data is mainly stored on the phone and that the reset and re-pairing process should restore normal functionality. Based on this advice, I reset the watch in the store. Outcome after reset After the reset, the watch required pairing again. The system then indicated that the iPhone 8 is no longer compatible with the Apple Watch Series 9. As a result: The watch can no longer be used at all. The previous Wi-Fi synchronisation, which was functioning before the reset, is no longer possible. In practical terms, the watch went from being usable via Wi-Fi to completely unusable as a direct result of the reset advice given in store. Follow-up and current situation I raised this matter with the store, but my request for goodwill assistance was declined. I was informed that the reset was done at my discretion, even though it was carried out based on the technician’s advice. To restore functionality, I am now required to purchase a newer iPhone at a cost of approximately R5,000 or more. My concern is that: The watch was still functioning via Wi-Fi before the reset. The reset was performed based on in-store advice. The outcome directly caused the loss of that working setup and unexpected additional costs. Had the watch not been reset, it would have continued to serve its intended purpose. Requested resolution I understand that compatibility requirements change over time, and I am not expecting a free device. However, given the circumstances, I believe a shared solution would be fair. I respectfully request that iStore consider a goodwill contribution toward a compatible iOS-17-supported iPhone (for example, a pre-owned or refurbished unit). A reasonable solution would be a shared-cost arrangement, such as a 50/50 contribution, to restore the usability of the Apple Watch. I have always valued Apple products and service, and I hope this matter can be reviewed and resolved fairly.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Apple Watch rendered unusable after in-store advice
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to lodge a formal complaint regarding an incident that occurred at the iStore, Centurion Mall, on 4 February 2026 at approximately 15:45. Summary of events I visited the store with my iPhone 8 and Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS). My concern was that the Bluetooth connection between the phone and the watch was not functioning. However, the watch was still operational and synchronising with the iPhone via Wi-Fi. I demonstrated this in store by: Connecting to the store’s Wi-Fi, and Recording a short activity, which appeared correctly in the Fitness app on the iPhone. This confirmed that synchronisation was still working via Wi-Fi. Proof can be provided if required. This setup was sufficient for my needs, as I primarily use the watch for fitness tracking and Discovery Vitality points. Advice given in store The technician advised that I should reset the Apple Watch and then pair it again to resolve the Bluetooth issue. I specifically asked whether the watch would still function after the reset. I was advised that the data is mainly stored on the phone and that the reset and re-pairing process should restore normal functionality. Based on this advice, I reset the watch in the store. Outcome after reset After the reset, the watch required pairing again. The system then indicated that the iPhone 8 is no longer compatible with the Apple Watch Series 9. As a result: The watch can no longer be used at all. The previous Wi-Fi synchronisation, which was functioning before the reset, is no longer possible. In practical terms, the watch went from being usable via Wi-Fi to completely unusable as a direct result of the reset advice given in store. Follow-up and current situation I raised this matter with the store, but my request for goodwill assistance was declined. I was informed that the reset was done at my discretion, even though it was carried out based on the technician’s advice. To restore functionality, I am now required to purchase a newer iPhone at a cost of approximately R5,000 or more. My concern is that: The watch was still functioning via Wi-Fi before the reset. The reset was performed based on in-store advice. The outcome directly caused the loss of that working setup and unexpected additional costs. Had the watch not been reset, it would have continued to serve its intended purpose. Requested resolution I understand that compatibility requirements change over time, and I am not expecting a free device. However, given the circumstances, I believe a shared solution would be fair. I respectfully request that iStore consider a goodwill contribution toward a compatible iOS-17-supported iPhone (for example, a pre-owned or refurbished unit). A reasonable solution would be a shared-cost arrangement, such as a 50/50 contribution, to restore the usability of the Apple Watch. I have always valued Apple products and service, and I hope this matter can be reviewed and resolved fairly.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Apple - Wroten on the inside
I recently purchased a MacBook Air, and I must say the PC itself is absolutely amazing. It performs perfectly for what I need, and I’m very happy with the product. However, the service experience was extremely disappointing and not one that should be experienced given the amount of money I spent and Apple being a premium class product. After placing my order online, I received no progress updates at all. When you spend that amount of money, you expect basic communication confirmation that the order was received, being processed, packed, and dispatched. The lack of updates was shocking and unacceptable given this day and age........even Pudo and Postnet gives you detailed and precise updates. The trade-in process was also very misleading. The way it is advertised creates a much better impression than the reality. I was quoted R1,500 less than what I had been quoted just a week before purchasing the MacBook. It felt like every effort was made to reduce the trade-in value as much as possible. Unfortunately, my experience at the East Rand Mall store made things worse. The first consultant who assisted me was not available when I returned. The consultant who helped me instead was busy doing an online course while assisting me with my trade-in. I found this extremely unprofessional and disrespectful. As a customer making a significant purchase, I expect full attention and proper service. I was honestly close to walking away from the deal entirely, but I urgently needed a PC. In summary: fantastic product, but very poor service and a disappointing, misleading trade-in experience. I will not be returning to this store.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Apple - Wroten on the inside
I recently purchased a MacBook Air, and I must say the PC itself is absolutely amazing. It performs perfectly for what I need, and I’m very happy with the product. However, the service experience was extremely disappointing and not one that should be experienced given the amount of money I spent and Apple being a premium class product. After placing my order online, I received no progress updates at all. When you spend that amount of money, you expect basic communication confirmation that the order was received, being processed, packed, and dispatched. The lack of updates was shocking and unacceptable given this day and age........even Pudo and Postnet gives you detailed and precise updates. The trade-in process was also very misleading. The way it is advertised creates a much better impression than the reality. I was quoted R1,500 less than what I had been quoted just a week before purchasing the MacBook. It felt like every effort was made to reduce the trade-in value as much as possible. Unfortunately, my experience at the East Rand Mall store made things worse. The first consultant who assisted me was not available when I returned. The consultant who helped me instead was busy doing an online course while assisting me with my trade-in. I found this extremely unprofessional and disrespectful. As a customer making a significant purchase, I expect full attention and proper service. I was honestly close to walking away from the deal entirely, but I urgently needed a PC. In summary: fantastic product, but very poor service and a disappointing, misleading trade-in experience. I will not be returning to this store.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Disappointing exchange policy
Disappointed with iStore's policy of charging for a replacement if the item purchased is not correct ... having paid premium price of R599 for a cable, I was then charged R119,80 to replace it with the correct one.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Disappointing exchange policy
Disappointed with iStore's policy of charging for a replacement if the item purchased is not correct ... having paid premium price of R599 for a cable, I was then charged R119,80 to replace it with the correct one.