What Is Apple Refurbished? (All You Need To Know)

If you’re on a budget, a new Apple product might be out of the question, so you may be thinking about buying a used or refurbished Apple product. 

Well, I have been researching Apple refurbished and will answer all of your questions, such as what Apple refurbished is and if it’s worth purchasing, so keep reading to find out what I’ve discovered! 

What Is Apple Refurbished?

Apple refurbished is Apple’s online store for refurbished products, which are pre-owned products that were returned by customers. The products could have been defective or returned in new condition, but any defects are fixed by Apple and all parts are replaced before Apple offers them for sale at cheaper prices with the standard one-year limited warranty in 2024.

Do you have even more questions about Apple refurbished, like if a refurbished iPhone is better than used one? If so, keep reading as I dive further into the details below! 

What Is an Apple Refurbished Device?

If you don’t want to shell out the big bucks for Apple products brand new, you can go to Apple’s online refurbished store and purchase items at much cheaper prices. 

Also, the devices that are considered refurbished could be a display model from a store, and refurbished products Apple sells include the iPad, iPhone, Apple Pencil, MacBook, and more. 

Apple will test the products as part of the refurbished process to ensure the product works as it was supposed to before putting it online. 

Furthermore, the Apple refurbished products come in a new box, with each product being cleaned and inspected for damage, with all damaged parts being replaced with Apple parts.

Additionally, Apple will put a new battery and outer shell on all refurbished products, along with giving you the cables, operating system, and accessories you would receive with a new device.

Is It Good to Buy Refurbished Products on Apple?

It’s perfectly fine to buy refurbished products from Apple, since Apple replaces any damaged parts with genuine Apple components and everything is functional and in working condition. 

In addition, Apple gives every product a one-year limited warranty, as they do with new products, and will replace the outer shell before putting the product on the refurbished website. 

Also, the refurbished testing ensures that you’re getting a product that will work, regardless of whether there was a defect or not, so you won’t even know it was pre-owned. 

What’s the Difference Between Refurbished and New Apple?

A refurbished Apple product is one that was either pre-owned or used as a display model, and you’ll save quite a bit of money as opposed to purchasing a brand-new device. 

In addition, a refurbished product could have simply been returned or returned because it was defective or damaged. 

That being said, Apple will replace those parts if damage occurred, and then test the product to get it into working condition, and provide a one-year limited warranty. 

In contrast, a new Apple product is brand new, has never been pre-owned, and is a lot more expensive than the refurbished version. 

Are Refurbished iPhones a Good Choice?

Are Refurbished iPhones a Good Choice?

Refurbished iPhones are a good choice because they’re going to be a lot cheaper than the new iPhones in the store, and work just as well as the new iPhones. 

However, you don’t want to get an older refurbished iPhone because they don’t have a good resale value and aren’t worth much, so stick with the latest models for the best value. 

Is a Refurbished iPhone Better Than Used? 

A refurbished iPhone is better than a used one because used iPhones typically don’t come with an Apple warranty.

In contrast, refurbished devices comes with the standard one-year limited warranty. 

Also, refurbished iPhones have been tested by Apple to ensure that the device works properly.

Further, if there are defective or damaged components, Apple replaces them with genuine parts. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Buying a Refurbished iPhone?

There are many pros when it comes to buying a refurbished iPhone, including: 

  • You have the one-year limited warranty with the option to purchase AppleCare+
  • A lot cheaper than new iPhone models 
  • Guaranteed and tested to work like new 
  • A new battery and new case come with the refurbished iPhones
  • Better for the environment since it’s getting more life out of one device 

However, there are also some cons associated with a refurbished iPhone such as the following:

  • Often, refurbished devices were previously owned instead of being a display model 
  • The refurbished devices are usually older and at least one generation behind the newest model 
  • You don’t have the choice for the specs, you might be looking for such as the color or memory you want 

Where Do Apple Refurbished Products Come From?

Apple’s refurbished products typically come from regular people since they are often pre-owned devices that were returned to Apple because of a defect, including dead pixels or faulty SSD. 

That being said, some of the refurbished products are coming from retailers and other stores that used that product as the display model but no longer need it. 

Do Apple Refurbished Devices Come With Warranty?

All the devices sold in the Apple Refurbished store come with the standard one-year limited warranty and it’s certified as refurbished products. 

In addition, you can get AppleCare+ with the refurbished products, which offer additional warranty coverage. 

Do Apple Refurbished Products Have Scratches?

Apple refurbished products may have cosmetic damage such as discolorations, marks, and scratches, although they are still in perfect working condition. 

Furthermore, since they are often pre-owned devices, you may notice some other minor imperfections that don’t hinder the performance of the device.

Are Refurbished iPhones Slower?

Refurbished iPhones can run a little slower, which is often because the iPhones are at least one generation older, but you probably won’t notice the slight slowness while using them. 

Why Is Refurbished Cheaper?

Refurbished products can’t be sold as new since they were pre-owned or for other reasons that will vary, so they can’t be sold at the same price as a new product. 

To know more, you can also read our posts on Apple One, Apple Pay, and Apple Keychain.

Conclusion

Apple refurbished is Apple’s online refurbished website where you can get pre-owned or display models of Apple products significantly cheaper than purchasing a new Apple product. 

Furthermore, Apple refurbished products have been tested and are in 100% working condition with any defective parts being replaced by genuine Apple parts before being sold online. However, Apple does offer these products with a one-year limited warranty.

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Cara Suppa

Cara Suppa has been freelance writing for over a decade and holds a BA in English and an MS in Integrated Marketing Communications. Outside of work, she is an avid cook, gardener, and discount shopper.

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