Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPhone 13 Pro Max Are replacements already refurbished?
- Thread starter michael31986
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
To start with they’ll likely be new units but for how long no one knows. There are also many, many that have been returned which will work their way into the replacement stock soon.
They can't even get new ones in at this point. I would assume you'll get a new one, unless they decide to use the ones that were returned as replacements.
I meant for future reference.., if you’re gonna do a return and want new.
as far as now…. they spruce up the phones and they look as good AS “new” …good luck!
I’ll keep posted on if it’s refurbished. Isn’t there some sort of code in the serial number that tells you what kind of phone it is.
We picked up another phone at the Apple store. While we were waiting for the phone to come out the individual that was helping me was pushing AC. I’ve had AC on a phone a long time ago and was curious about it again. I specifically asked her if it provides “brand new” replacements. She said yes. In the end I was still skeptical and went without AC. My past experience with AC was not good so ever since I opted not having it on all my devices and It’s been good. But maybe, she was telling the truth???
Usually, you want to look at the Model number and not the serial number. If it starts with M, it's Retail packaging, if it's N it's a warranty replacement by Genius Bar. F is for refurbished. P is personalized (engraved).
New casing, new battery, replacement of any parts that fail QC check. When fully assembled, it goes through stringent QC. If it fails there, they scrap it.
Apple refers to them as remanufactured.
Apple will always demur or tell you that they are brand new. My understanding is that policy does not allow for any other answer.
That used to be the case. But Apple is now randomizing serial numbers. Why? Because you (and others before you) just told people where the phones are coming from and Apple doesn't want customers to think about that.
Exactly. It's just that because some parts are 'used', i.e., not replaced, Apple can't by law call it 'new'.
Hence 'remanufactured'.
Yes I'm aware of the randomized serial number but in general you won't be able to tell if the phone is remanufactured via the serial number as even warranty replacement would have gotten the same serial concept, you can only well by the Model number. Remember Model number and serial number are not the same. Also before the randomized serial number was implemented, even the warranty replacement serial would have started with F2 or F1 or DN, G0, G6 etc.
Don't worry they'll be many refurbs, primarily from the Macrumors forums members being recycled. 
Lol.. welcome to take my old gapped left overs! 😂😂🤣🤣Don't worry they'll be many refurbs, primarily from the Macrumors forums members being recycled.
I am waiting for the day Apple starts to charge a restocking fee. I mean if they can sell a polishing cloth for $19 bucks (that sold out and is backordered until late November mind you) why not. They would make a killing just off the members here as you said.Don't worry they'll be many refurbs, primarily from the Macrumors forums members being recycled.
LOL...just out of curiosity I checked and the date is even further out....Dec 20 - Jan 17 — Free
Someone's Holiday will be ruined.