iPhone 6(S)/Plus Is my phone a refurb...?

[MisterGrinch]

Yesterday I went to an Apple store to have the battery for my IPhone 6s Plus replaced. After an hour a genius rep sheepishly came out of the back and reported they accidentally broke my phone so were going to replace it with exactly the same make and model. So thankfully I had backed it up, and took them up on the offer.

They only provided me with the iphone, still wrapped in cellophane Apple wrapping. No box, charger, and earbuds were given (and rightly so because I still had perfectly good ones at home from my original phone). But someone that I am discussing this with now is insisting the phone is not new and is a refurb.

I checked the model # and it starts with a letter N signifying replacement device and not refurb (ie not starting with letter F). Does anyone know if in these cases Apple typically issues out a brand new phone or issues a refurb? Curious to know...

Thanks

 

[Freakonomics101]

Even ones that are new will come with the same packaging.

 

[Mlrollin91]

A replacement device can be remanufactured, or new. Apple does not "refurbish" replacement devices.

These devices have a new battery, new screen and new casing, but the chipset and storage is remanufactured. All replacement devices will come with the "N", regardless if its new or remanufactured.

 

[eyoungren]

^^^THIS!

 

[Newtons Apple]

Yesterday I went to an Apple store to have the battery for my IPhone 6s Plus replaced. After an hour a genius rep sheepishly came out of the back and reported they accidentally broke my phone so were going to replace it with exactly the same make and model. So thankfully I had backed it up, and took them up on the offer.

They only provided me with the iphone, still wrapped in cellophane Apple wrapping. No box, charger, and earbuds were given (and rightly so because I still had perfectly good ones at home from my original phone). But someone that I am discussing this with now is insisting the phone is not new and is a refurb.

I checked the model # and it starts with a letter N signifying replacement device and not refurb (ie not starting with letter F). Does anyone know if in these cases Apple typically issues out a brand new phone or issues a refurb? Curious to know...

Thanks

Yes even with the "N" is is likely a rehab.

 

[JPack]

It's most likely a refurbished device.

The only time you're guaranteed a new replacement phone is the month or so after a new iPhone is launched. The older the device, the more likely the replacement is a refurb.

The iPhone 6s Plus display is worth at least $50. The logic board is worth more than $100. Apple doesn't throw these components away. Refurbished devices have a new case and battery and are issued a new serial number. But the internal components are salvaged from other devices when possible.

 

[MisterGrinch]

Just wanted to say thanks to you all for your intel on this.
Great responses... I learned a lot.