How to identify if your iPhone is refurbished, replacement, personalized or new

[Garz]

Good point! I didn’t even think of that. It came in a box just like I got at the store - same apple packaging, new charger and headphones, etc - just like I got at AT&T

Ok. So it was a brand new retail unit then. So this wouldn’t answer our question about the lettering. But thanks for trying to help though.

 

[EagleFox007]

Good point! I didn’t even think of that. It came in a box just like I got at the store - same apple packaging, new charger and headphones, etc - just like I got at AT&T

Then you got the brand new one. I had a replacement in the past and saw the guy took out the replacement phone in a small generic box not the original one and just handed me the phone without the box.

 

[ZOFOURTWENTY]

I’m curious for someone with a replacement or even an engraved iPhone would chime in. I have an engraved iPod mini 4th Generation but that’s about it

 

[MizWylie]

Good find! I'm going through replacement right now so I'll keep you guys posted!

 

[Ledsteplin]

The article didn't mention if the device were purchased at an approved retailer like Verizon. I assume those start with the "M" as well.

 

[cinnamin]

I have a replacement iPhone got it at the Apple store. My model number does start with a letter “M”. It came in a slim white box no headphones or charger.

 

[Garz]

I have a replacement iPhone got it at the Apple store. My model number does start with a letter “M”. It came in a slim white box no headphones or charger.

How long ago was it replaced?

 

[camaroz1985]

Just got this yesterday, old one had a bad speaker. Model number does start with an N. Old phone had a scratch on the screen, but now I basically have a new phone. Also interestingly, my old one was locked to Sprint, new model number is a Verizon model number, and I have confirmed it is unlocked (used with Mint and Sprint SIM cards). Bonus!

 

[cinnamin]

How long ago was it replaced?

Last month.

 

[cinnamin]

How long ago was it replaced?

I’m sorry model # begins with “N”

 

[EagleFox007]

There you go. We have at least one proof that the article is true. “N” means it’s a replacement phone.

 

[Garz]

I’m sorry model # begins with “N”

This just answered our question then. Thank you for the reply.

 

[cinnamin]

This just answered our question then. Thank you for the reply.

No problem glad I was able to help.

 

[cinnamin]

Just got this yesterday, old one had a bad speaker. Model number does start with an N. Old phone had a scratch on the screen, but now I basically have a new phone. Also

interestingly, my old one was locked to Sprint, new model number is a Verizon model number, and I have confirmed it is unlocked (used with Mint and Sprint SIM cards). Bonus!

That’s awesome! now I’m curious to see if my phone is unlocked.

 

[camaroz1985]

That’s awesome! now I’m curious to see if my phone is unlocked.

Compare your part number to the numbers listed here. It will be the same just with an N replacing the M.

My replacement was the Verizon 256GB Silver (NQCP2LL/A), but what I sent in was the Sprint 256GB Silver (MQCW2LL/A). Obviously they are both A1865 model phones. I doubt you would get an A1865 if you sent in an A1901, but I guess that would be possible since the A1865 would work on the same carriers (and more) as A1901.