What is the difference between new and refurbished Apple devices?
By Blindxp, 23 December, 2024
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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.
I always buy my phones certified refurbished, and anything else I'm shopping for. Certified is only directly from apple, be aware: buyer beware anywhere else. Certified refurbs have fresh batteries installed and a full warranty. All of them I've bought have been in perfect condition. As noted above, products will be two or three models out of date, and you have to check back periodically as they get things in. I think they put them up in batches.
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.
Certified refurbished is the way to go
I always buy my phones certified refurbished, and anything else I'm shopping for. Certified is only directly from apple, be aware: buyer beware anywhere else. Certified refurbs have fresh batteries installed and a full warranty. All of them I've bought have been in perfect condition. As noted above, products will be two or three models out of date, and you have to check back periodically as they get things in. I think they put them up in batches.
As an afterthought to the post above
Manufacturer refurbished is also a good marker to look for, for products outside of apples ecology.