Iphone repaired by Apple care

Most iPhone battery replacement services done by Apple involve opening it up, actually replacing the battery, and returning it to the customer. Most of the time.

However, I've heard some reports of a replacement device (with the model number starting with F as you noted, but may be new or refurbished) provided in lieu of replacing the battery, as long as everything was in decent shape other than the battery. Obviously the exchanged device would just be sent to a facility to get a new battery and a refurbishing check where it would then become a replacement device for the next customer. This is the only way Apple does iPad battery replacement service, but sometimes it's how iPhones are handled.

If you are using the Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider they will open the phone and replace the battery and reassemble it. If they encounter problems with doing so, say the frame is damaged, they will inform you that you need to do an out-of-warranty replacement of your iPhone which will cost more (roughly half the price of a news unit) and the model number will begin with N. If the store itself does something wrong they may offer you a service replacement for the price of a battery change.

You will have a 90 day warranty on the battery replacement. No Apple Store or AASP should have any refurbished units in their store unless they have taken one in trade or for repair.

A phone starting with F is refurbished. A model number starting with N would be a service replacement unit and may be new or could be refurbished. I've never had anyone show me they received a refurbished device as a battery service replacement. Where did you hear this and how often? And no, it isn't always obvious that the exchanged device would be sent to become a replacement device for the next customer, perhaps a future customer down the line assuming it isn't give to Daisy to be recycled. And why does the OP need to know how iPad battery replacement is done?

My bad. I was following the OP's post and going along with it even though I've seen the codes before.

But yes I remember when the worldwide battery promotion was going on, there was an article from a reporter who got a battery replacement at the promotional price. He reported that he was handed a replacement device in lieu of just replacing the battery.

deggie wrote:

Which would have had a model number starting with N not F.

Again, my bad. I should have double-checked that rather than just go off the OP. I don't exactly have all these things committed to memory other than "M" stands for a new retail device.

Which would have had a model number starting with N not F.

It's a good start. 😀