Applecare

[Samtb]

Do Apple wipe your devices when you send or take it in and get a replacement? Can the next person who gets it recover your texts, contacts etc.

 

[RotaryP7]

Do Apple wipe your devices when you send or take it in and get a replacement? Can the next person who gets it recover your texts, contacts etc.

Best thing, bring it in already restored to new.

 

[eyoungren]

Best thing, bring it in already restored to new.

^^^ This.

But, if you don't, the Genius will probably ask you to backup and then delete all your data. At least that's what I was instructed to do when I got a replacement.

 

[scaredpoet]

Before you agree to a replacement, do a full erase and restore. The Genius may mention it and ask you to do this, but even if they don't don't give it up until you wipe it.

 

[Samtb]

Ive noticed a lot of people on ask here ask whether their replacement is a refurb or not and most people agree its a refurb. Ive read 1 or 2 threads which say refurb model numbers start with F instead of M but is this true?

http://theiphonewiki.com/wiki/Models
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3650829?start=0&tstart=0

 

[Brian Y]

Ive noticed a lot of people on ask here ask whether their replacement is a refurb or not and most people agree its a refurb. Ive read 1 or 2 threads which say refurb model numbers start with F instead of M but is this true?

http://theiphonewiki.com/wiki/Models
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3650829?start=0&tstart=0

Purchased refurbs start with F. Service part refurbs have the same M model number.

Genius bar devices can be new or remanufactured - it's a mix - if they can refurb enough phones, they'll use them, if not, they'll supply new ones. The only way of telling is via the serial number. Apple's refurbs, however, have a new battery and outer casing.

With regard to the data - everything on the iPhone (since the 3GS) is encrypted. The first part of the restore process is simply deleting the encryption keys. No encryption keys = getting no data back.

 

[Samtb]

Thanks. And I'm curious, why do the the iphone replacements come in presentation boxes with iphone written on it, whilst other apple product replacements just come by itself.

 

[Samtb]

Purchased refurbs start with F. Service part refurbs have the same M model number.

Genius bar devices can be new or remanufactured - it's a mix - if they can refurb enough phones, they'll use them, if not, they'll supply new ones. The only way of telling is via the serial number. Apple's refurbs, however, have a new battery and outer casing.

With regard to the data - everything on the iPhone (since the 3GS) is encrypted. The first part of the restore process is simply deleting the encryption keys. No encryption keys = getting no data back.

I read on another thread if it starts with 5K, it's a refurb.

 

[TyPod]

But, if you don't, the Genius will probably ask you to backup and then delete all your data. At least that's what I was instructed to do when I got a replacement.

Same with me. It's not a big deal if you don't do it before hand.

 

[Brian Y]

I read on another thread if it starts with 5K, it's a refurb.

That works for the 4 and below, not for the 4S/5. And even then, some 4 refurbs start QR.