I just bought the new iPhone 16 Plus in Apple Premium Reseller, but the serial number starts with N, so none informed me this. Can I get any problem with this iPhone as N is Replacement unit ? should I ask for replacement with M serial number.
Also what about the resale or trade in value for N series iPhones
iPhone 16 Plus
It's not the serial number but the Order/Model number that show localization and provenance. These are the provenance identifiers:
• If the order number starts with M, it was purchased new from Apple.
• If the order number starts with F, it was refurbished by Apple or a carrier.
• If the order number starts with P, it was sold as a personalized device with Apple engraving.
• If the order number starts with N, Apple provided it as a replacement device for a device returned for service.
Example from my replacement iPad:
and from an old iPad Air we bought as an Apple-direct refurb:
Apple reuses the term "Model." If you tap the value shown is changes to the "A" number for that model.
The serial number used to have factory of origin codes in front but that's been gone a long time.
It's not the serial number but the Order/Model number that show localization and provenance. These are the provenance identifiers:
• If the order number starts with M, it was purchased new from Apple.
• If the order number starts with F, it was refurbished by Apple or a carrier.
• If the order number starts with P, it was sold as a personalized device with Apple engraving.
• If the order number starts with N, Apple provided it as a replacement device for a device returned for service.
Example from my replacement iPad:
and from an old iPad Air we bought as an Apple-direct refurb:
Apple reuses the term "Model." If you tap the value shown is changes to the "A" number for that model.
The serial number used to have factory of origin codes in front but that's been gone a long time.
Apple stopped using serial numbers which have any meaning some time ago. They are totally randomized, so one beginning with an N doesn't represent anything. Model numbers on the hand do have meaning by the letter or number which it starts with. If your model number begins with a M, it was a new phone.
If you were sold a replacement phone as new, I'd return it and request a new one. Or, a discount.
As the phone appears to have been factory refurbished by Apple, it should function the same way as a new one.
What number exactly are you referring to?
The serial number does not tell you whether it was new, refurbished or used as a replacement.
Only the Model / Part number can tell you that.
It's completely inconsequential if the actual serial number starts with an N.
My new iPhone 16 Plus serial starts with N
