What does it mean if the default apps are removed from the new iPhone?

[Voyageur]

A friend bought an iPhone 15 Pro and showed me a photo, but I've never seen anything like this before: what does it mean if the default apps are removed from the new iPhone?

I would have thought it was used, but he says it's an iPhone with no signs of use. Also there is no letter F in the serial number, but the seller warned that it could be activated before (December 2023) crossing the border. Could this be an unofficial refab?

 

[Cobold]

but the seller warned that it could be activated before (December 2023)

So it's not new!
"No signs of use" as you say does not mean it is new! It could be a refurb, rebuild, fake, whatever!
I would return it and run away from it as fast as I can!

 

[BigBlur]

I've seen this happen myself sometimes. When I go through the setup process too fast (or when my internet is slow), I can catch the default apps downloading. I wonder if something like that happened here. Based on the photo, it looks like he's using a hotspot, so I'm guessing "Low Data Mode" would have been active and prevented them from downloading. Nothing to be concerned about, IMO.

Also there is no letter F in the serial number

You would want to check the first letter of the model number for the letter 'F'...not the serial number.

 

[Voyageur]

I've seen this happen myself sometimes. When I go through the setup process too fast (or when my internet is slow), I can catch the default apps downloading. I wonder if something like that happened here. Based on the photo, it looks like he's using a hotspot, so I'm guessing "Low Data Mode" would have been active and prevented them from downloading. Nothing to be concerned about, IMO.


You would want to check the first letter of the model number for the letter 'F'...not the serial number.

Thanks!