Replacement 3GS's at the Genius bar technically new?

Simply, Apple will use new phones for replacements until they're able to refurbish iPhones that had to be replaced/were returned. If your serial number starts with an 8, it's a new iPhone, if it starts with a 5, it's a refurbished iPhone.

+1 ^^^ I brought my receipt, box, accessories and a smile, when I went in to exchange my 3GS 32GB iPhone White, and walked out with a 3GS 32GB iPhone Black. I was able to open the NIB iPhone once again and about 10 minutes later I walked out with my NEW 3GS iPhone and hopped in my car (parked in front of the Apple Store) and transferred all of my data in about 15 minutes on my MBP...

SFStateStudent said:

+1 ^^^ I brought my receipt, box, accessories and a smile, when I went in to exchange my 3GS 32GB iPhone White, and walked out with a 3GS 32GB iPhone Black. I was able to open the NIB iPhone once again and about 10 minutes later I walked out with my NEW 3GS iPhone and hopped in my car (parked in front of the Apple Store) and transferred all of my data in about 15 minutes on my MBP...

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which store did you go to? how long had you had the first one?

They are new phones. I just got mine replaced yesterday for a supposed bad battery. I asked if they were actually new, and was told that they are all new until they stop making them. Now, I don't actually believe that, but don't see how they could have refurbished any in only three weeks. My serial number starts with 8.

Eventually the 5K ones will be more into the system as more exchanges occur within the next few months or towards next summer.

CKohkah said:

Surely there needs to be some sort of return/exchange policy being that I've only had this phone a month and it bricked on me for just turning off the power.

500.00 bucks for 1 month... I want a new one.

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1 month is pretty much the threshold for any phone as far as getting a new exchange.

If you end up getting a refurb, the only real way you're going to know the phone IS a refurb as opposed to new is the serial number. In fact, many have made the argument that it's probably better to get a refurb as at least they've been fully tested. You've already struck out with a new phone, so clearly there's no guarantee a new phone will without defects as opposed to a refurb.

i got a replacement yesterday and its build week is 29, which apparently is the latest batch of phones. so i'm guessing these are new for now.

I don't think they use the 5K in refurbs anymore. I think shortly into the life of the 3G they stopped doing it.

I need to replace my iphone. Genius at Apple store already ordered one for me.

The problem is I bought my phone from AT&T online store. Will Apple replace the phone in sealed box like new?

I talked to genius and they said they don't replace the iphone with the brand new sealed box. He showed one white box just containing the replacement phone and said it will be in this box with just iphone (not with all the accessories).

Is it true? I would like to replace it with brand new sealed box. Any way to do this?

Thanks

gr8phan said:

They are new phones. I just got mine replaced yesterday for a supposed bad battery. I asked if they were actually new, and was told that they are all new until they stop making them. Now, I don't actually believe that, but don't see how they could have refurbished any in only three weeks. My serial number starts with 8.

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Did you get the replacement phone in white box containing just the iphone?

abhi said:

I talked to genius and they said they don't replace the iphone with the brand new sealed box. He showed one white box just containing the replacement phone and said it will be in this box with just iphone (not with all the accessories).

Is it true? I would like to replace it with brand new sealed box. Any way to do this?

Thanks

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Why? Is there something wrong with your headphones as well? If the only problem is with your phone, why do you need all new accessories as well?

eastercat said:

Why? Is there something wrong with your headphones as well? If the only problem is with your phone, why do you need all new accessories as well?

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nope, I was just curious if they are just replacing the phone with refurbished one like AT&T use to do. ATT use to send replacement phone without the battery cover and it clearly said on the shipping receipt that it is refurbished phone.

Since I spent $$ on it I expect it to replace with NIB within 7 days.