Apple replaces the back glass when refurbish an iPhone?

Edward_Mo wrote:

I mean as in if Apple receives a used iPhone that has a few minor scratches on the back. For refurbishment, I know apple replaces cracked components and batteries and such, but what about a little cosmetic damage such as some minor scratches on the back. Can apple still sell that as a refurbished phone or do they ensure that there is no cosmetic damage at all and indistinguishable from brand new.

There could be minor cosmetic blemishes. I would think if there's any kind of deep gouges, it would probably not qualify, but Apple can replace such damaged parts. What Apple does is accept a lot of these through trade-ins or repair exchanges and then reuse whatever parts that meet their standards. They have to work and be in reasonable shape, but they don't have to be new or even look new.

If you read the warranty for how they might replace a device under warranty, that gives an idea of what they would provide - something that meet's Apple's "functional requirements".

Legal - iOS Warranty Document Us - Apple

(ii) replace the Apple Product with a replacement product of the same model (or with your consent a product that has the same or substantially similar features as the original product – e.g., a different model with the same features, or the same model in a different color) that is new or comprised of new and/or previously used Apple genuine parts and has been tested and passed Apple functional requirements, or

That doesn't mean that a refurbished device might not be indistinguishable from new. I suspect that quite a few of Apple's refurbished and/or replacement devices (that are refurbished) were previous returns that were barely used at all with no noticeable wear.

Refurbished iPhones are NOT supposed to come with cosmetic wear. If you get one that has cosmetic wear return it and request a replacement.

Your question doesn’t really make sense. Are you receiving a refurbished iPhone? If so, the parts will all be in working order. There should be no cracks in the back glass.

When Apple performs the process of refurbishing an iPhone, that process should be irrelevant to you, Whether back glass is replaced or not is Apple’s call. Perhaps it was in perfect shape previously and will remain unchanged.