I want to buy a used iPhone 15 Pro Max with 95% battery health and around 260 battery cycles. However, I suspect the phone may have been opened for parts repair or replacement. The device is running iOS 18.0.1, and there are no error signs or messages related to parts replacements in the “General” section of the Settings menu. How can I confirm if any parts have been replaced? What should I do?
iPhone 15 Plus, iOS 18
If the repair was done by Apple, or by a cellular carrier, the iPhone's model number will change. The lead number will change to an "F." On the other hand, if Apple replaced the device, it would start with an "N."
However, if the repair was done by a third-party, the model number will, most likely, not change and there are limited methods to tell (without close examination) that the phone has been opened or had parts replaced. For the latter, you may see a message on the phone informing you that there are non-Apple parts present.
The bottom line? If you suspect that the phone has been modified/repaired, then don't buy it.
Buying used iphone
