Stupid question about serial numbers for iPad Mini...

[Kal-037]

I just got an iPad mini and the serial number starts out F9FQxxxxxx
I bought it from Best Buy, I was reading this and was a little concerned if my iPad is new or refurbished:

From an Apple user on Apple.com/forums

Refurbished iPads are identified on the packaging.

You can see the model number in Settings > Genera l> About > Model. The model number has a two-letter code, a number and some more letters. The last part stands for the country/region. The first letter can be "F" (refurbished), "M" (normal retail), or "P" (personalized / engraved).

How does one tell if their product is refurbished or new? My older iPad minis started with D... is this whole serial number/refurb thing a myth? I'm just curious... thanks.
It's obviously not a HUGE deal, but I'm hoping since I paid full price for a "new" iPad that it is actually is new. lol

Kal.

 

[Shadowbech]

Does your model # start with M? I'm not talking about the Serial number here. Model number and Serial number are not the same and the one you quoted mentions bout the model number and not serial.

 

[Spink10]

Does your model # start with M? I'm not talking about the Serial number here. Model number and Serial number are not the same and the one you quoted mentions bout the model number and not serial.

Good catch!

 

[Kal-037]

Thanks for the help, I'll check the model number once I open it, (I held off until I was sure.) I called Apple and one of the technicians was curious about the number too, so he ran it, and said the iPad is brand new. He said the serial numbers never reveal anything, and something like: "they are just identifying numbers." I assumed they were just a code for Apple to keep track of sales and inventory.


Kal.