iPhone 11 what does Apple do with a locked Simple Mobile iPhone XS that I traded in?

[BlueMoose]

what does Apple do with a locked Simple Mobile iPhone XS that I traded in?

is it safe to assume that Apple has the ability to unlock that phone and refurbish it?

 

[Apple_Robert]

More than likely, any parts that can be salvaged and or used that aren’t affected by the lock will saved. Otherwise, it will all be scraped.

 

[Obi-WannaDraw]

This happens... 👆

and this... 👇

 

[TiggrToo]

what does Apple do with a locked Simple Mobile iPhone XS that I traded in?

is it safe to assume that Apple has the ability to unlock that phone and refurbish it?

It'll be taken apart and recycled. They won't use it as a refurb as its now well and truly used. Daisy and Dave* will have at it and do as much recycling as possible.

*Apple's dedicated recycling robots

 

[BlueMoose]

More than likely, any parts that can be salvaged and or used that aren’t affected by the lock will saved. Otherwise, it will all be scraped.

the iPhone XS that I traded was only 2 months old and was used less than a few days. (only bought it because Simple Mobile's website was running a special of just $549 on a brand-new iPhone XS... but then I decided that I wanted a better camera)

Does Apple not care what phones people trade in? (locked vs. unlocked)

 

[eyoungren]

what does Apple do with a locked Simple Mobile iPhone XS that I traded in?

is it safe to assume that Apple has the ability to unlock that phone and refurbish it?

Apple, being the manufacturer, has special tools. So do third party refurb companies. The LB (logicboard) can be reprogrammed, the software tools that Apple has will allow them to wipe the phone and reinstall iOS.

Will they do any of that? Who knows, but remanufactured devices that Apple uses for replacements have new shells, new batteries and new screens.

As an example of what Apple can do…ever hear of Purple Restore? That's an Apple software suite that allows Apple to restore any version of iOS to a device that supports it. You have to be on Apple's VPN in order to use it (authorized of course).

That's something that isn't available to the normal customer who can only downgrade if Apple is still signing the firmware. PS. Apple goes after people who somehow have Purple Restore and you can't use it outside of Apple's VPN anyway, so pretty much useless.

 

[JPack]

It will be refurbished, of course. Look at the warranty terms and you’ll notice Apple promises to repair phones using new or used parts. Where do the used parts come from?

The display and logic board have a combined value of over $200. Carrier locks are software features.

Keep in mind when Apple sells refurbished iPhones, they only replace the chassis and battery. The display is salvaged whenever possible.