Replacement iphone - refurb or new?

[NatashaLou6]

Hiya,

I broke my iPhone 16 PM on Thursday morning and insurance were amazing and got a new one to me by Friday afternoon. It's in pristine condition, with an N model number which I know means replacement. Its 'purchase date' is July 18 2025, according to Apple coverage. It has no parts and service history tab/page which I believe a refurb usually does? Manufacture date is April 2025 and first use is August, no cycles etc but I know that can be reset.

Not that this matters at all, because Apple refurbs are basically good as new, but is my device likely to be brand new based on its purchase date and overall condition? Surely nobody got it, returned it and fixed it up in 13 days. 

Must add: As long as it works fine for me until next September, I'm not bothered. Just curious. 

TIA.

[Northerner]

Hi @NatashaLou6 

It will say in your policy wording if a refurb or new replacement is provided.

Thanks 

[NatashaLou6]

It says it 'may be from refurbished stock'. And 'n' models can mean either or from Apple! So that's why I was wondering if anybody else had any faults. 

It did come with a note saying the manufacturer certifies this device etc etc though.

[Chris_B]

@NatashaLou6  It could be a returned device. Ie someone purchased it and decided not to have it.   It’s given the once over to make sure all is good with it then it can be sold as a good as new or be used as an insurance replacement.   Sounds like you got very lucky and had a just returned unwanted device.