Does an 'F' at the beginning of an iPhone 12 serial number indicate a refurbished device?

Oppenheimer75 wrote:

Thanks. I just found out that my iPhone 12 SN starts with an F, and I bought it as new. Any advice/comment, please?

Who did you buy it from? Were you mislead as to what kind of a device you were purchasing?

If the serial number starts with an F, it was refurbished by Apple themselves using genuine Apple parts, as TheLittles stated.

Since you’re dealing with the audio issue, perhaps you could return it? How long have you had it? You have a 1 year warranty on the device.

"iPhone Serial Number: Is it true that an F at the beginning of an iPhone 12 serial No. indicates that the device is refurbished?"

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"F" At Beginning of Serial Number:

Yes. It means was refurbished (and done so by Apple or a Carrier).

"Thanks. I just found out that my iPhone 12 SN starts with an F, and I bought it as new. Any advice/comment, please?"

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If purchased from Apple...

Troubleshooting Device Mismatch:

A Glitch in Apple's Device Database?

I would contact Apple Support, asking them if there is a glitch in their device database. You should not be getting this message, if purchased directly from Apple.

Apple Support Contact Info:

• Contact Us - Choose Locations
• Proceed from there, as necessary

Oppenheimer75 wrote:

I bought it new from the Apple Store app (on my previous iPhone 8+) to pick up in a physical store in Orange County, California on 10/2020. It was a regular transaction like with all my other Apple devices. Today, I googled about this little iPhone 12 audio issues (the phone has always worked well to be honest) and I learned about the serial number thing. I am really surprised.

If you bought it new I wonder why there is there an F at the start of the serial number?

"Thank you. I will do so."

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You are welcome.

Excellent job troubleshooting here!