I was just wondering because according to http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html , the replacement iPhone I received on July 28 was manufactured on the week of June 9th-15th and the phone itself seems relatively new.
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.
Are the replacement iPhones that they give you at the Apple Store new?
- Thread starter dave8209
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
There has been so much discussion on this it's not even funny. At the end of the day, my conclusion is "we just don't know". I would highly doubt that 100% off all components in all "refurb" phones are brand new. That makes very little business sense. At the same time, I wouldn't be surprised if there were some new units, depending on sctock constraints. For sure, launch day units are brand new. I got a refurb of an iPhone 4 the day after it launched. It came in the refurb box, but it obviously wasn;t a refurb unit less than 24 hours before it hit shelves.
The apple store(s) that I received replacement iPhones from all said they are brand new iPhones and Apple makes iPhones for the store so that they are just for replacement purposes
I have gotten a iPhone 4 32g & iPhone 5 64g replacement and they worked flawlessly. They looked new but who knows. I really believe the iPhone 5 was new though...
At the release date yes, but not now. It usually a refurbished phone with new battery, and case. This has been discussed a number of times in the past with the other iphones. The returned units have got to go some where and that is back to Apple to be refurbished, than given to the Apple stores for replacements.
No one really knows. You may get a new one or you may get a refurbished one. Either way, it doesn't matter. You won't be able to tell the difference. A refurbished iPhone is just like a new one. New exterior and new battery.
Here is a problem that most (I'd say about 99%) people make. They believe Apple provided replacement units that are "refurbished". This is incorrect. A misnomer if you will.
The replacement units they give out are considered "remanufactured" units.
That is, units that both new and used/tested parts.
Refurbished units are those units that are tested and defective parts replaced. You will generally see these in such places as AT&T and Verizon websites.
Remanufactured units are those units that are torn down and individually tested parts married up with new parts to form a completely different unit. You will see these in Apple stores for warranty replacement units.
Source: Apple Inc.
The replacement units they give out are considered "remanufactured" units.
That is, units that both new and used/tested parts.
Refurbished units are those units that are tested and defective parts replaced. You will generally see these in such places as AT&T and Verizon websites.
Remanufactured units are those units that are torn down and individually tested parts married up with new parts to form a completely different unit. You will see these in Apple stores for warranty replacement units.
Source: Apple Inc.
When I asked the genius at my Apple Store (UK) he told me that they were new but some of the parts may have been previously used. So to me it sounds like refurbs
I was told the same on Saturday. Instead of saying previously used he said some parts are recycled.