N – it means your iPhone is a replacement device, which means that it was replaced by Apple or Apple Authorized Service Center due to a problem. M – it means your iPhone is a new device, which was purchased from Apple Store Online or Apple Retail Store.į – it means your iPhone is a refurbished device. Step 4: The first letter of the model will tell you if the iPhone is new, a replacement, refurbished, or personalized device. Step 3: Scroll down and look for the Model. How to Identify if iPhone is Refurbished, Replacement, Personalized, or New

The first letter of the model identifier can tell you if your iPhone is new, a replacement, refurbished, or personalized device. Also, it is always good to be more informed, and this quick tip does the job.You have probably noticed the model identifier, something like MQAC2ZP/A in the About section in the Settings app while checking the version number of the iOS software update installed on your device, but probably might not have thought about what it meant.

It totally depends more on how previous owners treated it. Whereas knowing that the Apple-based origins of your iPhone won’t make much difference in how it functions.

In case your phone was previously refurbished by an independent repair operation that isn’t authorized by Apple then, the model number would not necessarily reflect that.įew third-party vendors have the strict standards for refurbishment as Apple does, hence it is best to avoid third-party refurbished devices if possible. You can also check the warranty status on your iPhone by visiting Apple’s warranty site and entering the device’s serial number. However, unlike Apple, they may not change out the battery or provide a new 1-year warranty on the phone. Apple usually offers these refurbished products at a sizable discount, so they can be a great deal.Ĭarriers such as AT&T and Verizon also refurbish iPhones and sell them at a good discount. However, for legal reasons, Apple still cannot sell them as new. Generally, Apple Certified Refurbished products look and operate like brand new iPhones. Related: How To Disable Reserved Storage On Windows 10

Apple serial number refurbished