Regarding IMEI Registration and Tax Status in Turkey for iPhones Purchased Abroad in Case of Repair/Trade-In

heheheyyy wrote:

• in such cases, does Apple or an authorized service provide an official document showing that the old phone’s IMEI is deactivated and the new phone’s IMEI is registered?

Apple does not “deactivate” an iPhone’s IMEI when the device is traded in, refurbished, or recycled. The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique hardware identifier permanently assigned to the device at the time of manufacture. It cannot be erased or altered through normal processes. The only form of restriction that can be applied is blocking or blacklisting the IMEI, typically by a carrier, to prevent it from being used on cellular networks—for example, if the phone is reported lost, stolen, or involved in fraud. Outside of such blocks, the IMEI remains active and valid for the lifetime of the hardware.

Any “deactivation” people refer to in Turkey is administrative, done by BTK (the Turkish telecom authority) when you show them proof that your registered device was replaced. They can mark the old IMEI as no longer linked to your passport and, in some cases, register the new IMEI without extra tax, probably.

The only way to get a definitive answer is from the Turkish tax authority. Anything posted here would be speculation. Note that Apple does not register IMEIs; that is handled by the carrier.

But if the iPhone was purchased in Germany you will most likely have to take it to an European Union country for Apple service. Also, if you buy a new phone in Dubai it will have to be returned to Dubai if it ever needs repair. Apple warranties are not international, and even if you pay for service authorized service providers may not have the parts for a phone purchased in and different region.

In addition to the great advice Lawrence offered, let's be clear about water damage. Water damage is NOT covered by iPhone warranty and Apple won't attempt to fix a phone which has been damaged by liquid intrusion. Further, a water damaged phone, which can't even be turned on, will have zero trade value. You are without question going to be looking at buying a new iPhone and your water damaged phone will be recycled as it has no value.

heheheyyy wrote:

If the repair cost from Apple is close to the price of a new phone,

• Or if the phone cannot be repaired and they suggest a new phone through trade-in,

Apple Inc. article below says: --> 'Use our “Get an Estimate” tool to review potential costs if you get service directly from Apple. If you go to another service provider, ...'

iPhone Repair and Service - Apple Support (IN)

Thank you for doing the research! This will be helpful to other iPhone users.