What is the difference between new and refurbished Apple devices?
By Blindxp, 23 December, 2024
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Other Apple Chat
Hey everyone. So I’m struggling to understand the difference between new and refurbished. What are really the differences? Are there any real differences except maybe price? If somebody could answer this, that would be great. Thank you.
Let's say you trade in your old iPhone for a new one. For example, an iPhone 13 pro. This device has been used, but Apple will not simply throw it away. They will, if necessary/possible, repair the device, if it has been cracked, chipped, dented, etc. That repaired device, once it looks/functions as it should, is then considered to be certified refurbished.
TL:DR: A refurbished device is a device someone else used, which may have been repaired before being put up for sale again. This is why you almost never see refurbished devices up to at least two years before the current generation.
Legally speaking in a lot of countries a product isn't allowed to be sold as new twice, so if it arrives with a broken screen for example and is sent back it can't be resold as new even if it's fixed. Of course Apple don't sell them immediately and may hold onto them to offer as replacements for damaged iPhones, and there are shenanigans they do with sending it to another country then back to get it out of the system and resell it as new.
Practically speaking also be aware you might get a shorter warranty on a refurb.
Comments
Refurbished Devices
Let's say you trade in your old iPhone for a new one. For example, an iPhone 13 pro. This device has been used, but Apple will not simply throw it away. They will, if necessary/possible, repair the device, if it has been cracked, chipped, dented, etc. That repaired device, once it looks/functions as it should, is then considered to be certified refurbished.
TL:DR: A refurbished device is a device someone else used, which may have been repaired before being put up for sale again. This is why you almost never see refurbished devices up to at least two years before the current generation.
Legally
Legally speaking in a lot of countries a product isn't allowed to be sold as new twice, so if it arrives with a broken screen for example and is sent back it can't be resold as new even if it's fixed. Of course Apple don't sell them immediately and may hold onto them to offer as replacements for damaged iPhones, and there are shenanigans they do with sending it to another country then back to get it out of the system and resell it as new.
Practically speaking also be aware you might get a shorter warranty on a refurb.