Applecare replacements

AppleCare+ Service Replacements are often a renewed/refurbished devices.

If your iPad was recently purchased, you should first investigate a warranty return. If purchased directly from Apple within the last 14-days, you can simply return the iPad for exchange or refund.

If the iPad was bent when unboxed, it should have been returned at the time for a warranty replacement. If you have been using the iPad since then, claiming a warranty defect may be difficult.

For practical purposes, Apple will generally offer an exchange for a renewed/refurbished device of the same model and specification in lieu of attempting repair of your own device - the cost being the same to you.

With benefit of an active AppleCare+ plan, being an insurance product, you will simply be charged the basic service/deductible fee. Whether you use in-store service, or use the mail-in service, the outcome will be the same.