We have already explained here, in a very detailed way, what an Apple product recondicioned (refurbished), what are the advantages and how to buy one. In a very brief way if you have not read the other article and are very lazy, a remanufactured product is one that undergoes disassembly, cleaning and repair / replacement of components (bad / defective) to later be assembled and tested again. order to be sold to someone interested (for a lower price).
In the case of iPhones / iPads, all refurbished models come with a new battery and a new external coating (case / screen), regardless of whether these components were faulty or not.
I really appreciate this Apple business model, for one simple fact: in addition to the discount, Apple's refurbished products are impeccable and count, like any company product, with a one-year warranty (with the option of still putting the AppleCare +, if you want). So, if you have any problems with them, you can turn to Apple's recognized and applauded after-sales. the famous “win-win” words of a person who has already bought and used refurbished products for years.
However, you are not obliged to like them. You can, like millions of people, choose to go to an Apple store and buy a brand-new, zero-bullet product. But what if you are buying, for example, a used iPhone? Is there a way to know if it (at the time of the first purchase) is new or refurbished? Below, we will teach you how to identify whether an iPhone or iPad or not refurbished.
How to determine whether the iPhone / iPad is new or refurbished, replaced or customized?
In fact, there are more variables at stake than simply "new" or "refurbished". Apple still works with substituted products (which are offered to customers who have exchanged their problematic devices still under warranty that can, yes, be refurbished) or personalized (such as, for example, an iPod or iPad that had a laser engraved inscription on the back ).
Everything you need to do, on the iPhone / iPad, go on General Settings About and look for the device model information. See, that, in my case (an iPhone X), he was identified by the code MQAU2LL / A.
Because this model first letter which determines whether the new, refurbished, replaced, or customized iPhone / iPad, based on the following guidelines:
- M = new;
- F = reconditioned;
- N = substituted (yes, it can be refurbished);
- P = customized.
Okay, now you know how to identify whether your iPhone (or the used one you want to buy) is new, refurbished, replaced or customized.
How do I know if the replacement iPhone / iPad is refurbished?
The truth is that there is no way to know. And I explain the reason.
Speaking of the iPhones / iPads units that are offered in stores and at Apple Authorized Service Centers, as far as we know Apple works internally with three ratings: “A” (new / sealed product, in the box with accessories), “B” ( new product, in the replacement box without accessories) and “C” (refurbished product).
The “A” product for those who actually enter the store and buy an iPhone / iPad; when you replace your defective iPhone / iPad, however, Apple may choose to give you the "B" or "C". And it varies from country to country. If the company feels comfortable enough with local laws to offer the refurbished model, it will do so.
At the Brazil, according to multiple sources in the , the replacement models are those of classification “B”; in the USA, Apple does work with “C” models (but you can often get a “B”).
This, however, really varies from country to country and there is no way to know if you receive a "B" or "C" in a possible exchange.
Still, I reiterate that, in the case of Apple products, the refurbished ones (“C” rating) are as good as they are new. sometimes even more, because absolutely all its components have to be retested in order to receive the green light. It is not a policy that applies to any and all companies, of course, people are often against it.
via MacRumors