iPad 1 refurbs coming from China??

[Whiteacre]

Jumped on the $349 iPad 1 refurb deal from the Apple Store yesterday and just got my shipment notice today. It says that the iPad is coming from Shenzhen, China?

When Apple gets a return for computers, ipods, etc., do they ship it back to China? I guess I just assumed they have a warehouse in the US to hold such units. I have never bought any Apple refurbs before so I have no idea. Does anyone know?

 

[Night Spring]

They go back to China, get tested to confirm they are working properly, and get fitted with new battery and I think new back.

 

[Darth.Titan]

Many refurbs aren't used. They're actually new units just in cheaper packaging.

A certain percentage of iPads coming off the line are packaged as refurbs for warranty replacements. In fact, I'd wager that actual repaired iPads make up a minority of the total number of refurbs available.