I purchased an iPhone 13 mini off eBay which was listed as new sealed in the box. Seller deals exclusively in cell phones and has over 2000 sales and a 99.2% rating so I figured I was good. Received the phone today and everything looks legit until I fire it up and see it has iOS 18.6.2 installed. Is this even possible or is it a fake phone?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: counterfit iphone13 mini?
iPhone 13 mini, iOS 18
Considering that iOS 18.6.2 was released on August 20, 2025, it would seem strange that it had that iOS on a device that was discontinued in September 2023, and was still sealed in the box. Run the serial number through this. https://checkcoverage.apple.com/products?locale=en_US
Considering that iOS 18.6.2 was released on August 20, 2025, it would seem strange that it had that iOS on a device that was discontinued in September 2023, and was still sealed in the box. Run the serial number through this. https://checkcoverage.apple.com/products?locale=en_US
OK, let's start with the information that the iPhone 13 Mini was discontinued by Apple in September 2023. Since no new 13 Mini products were ever shipped after that date, if your phone really was "new", it sat in a warehouse somewhere for 2 years.
The phone would have shipped with iOS 16 software, which was current at the time that the iPhone 13 was discontinued and you would have seen iOS 16 when you set up the phone......if the phone really was new.
No way that the phone that you bought was "new". It's either refurbished or used. Return that phone for either a refund, or if you really want to keep it.....a huge discount credit.
What turned up when you checked the warranty coverage on this phone?
While there are many things you could be concerned about with your purchase here, I’m going to guess about what you are concerned about: that you are concerned about an older iPhone in a still-sealed box having a somewhat-newer version of iOS loaded.
If so:
https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/27/24113561/apple-retail-presto-iphone-update-machine
I’m not very tech savvy and I don’t keep up with the latest offerings. I was looking for a small form factor phone to replace my aging Xr and found this one. As stated in my op everything about this phone appears to be legitimate the box, the packaging, the phone itself but having the newest iOS on it kinda threw me. Thanks for sharing, I appreciate the fast response and feel more comfortable with actually fully activating it now.
Personally, I'd find it hard to believe a phone discontinued in September 2023 (2 years ago) was still sitting on a shelf, never opened. The phone will have no warranty with Apple at this point. If it's what you want and it works as it should, enjoy it. But I'd still be a bit concerned personally.
I wanted the smaller format and I always buy older phones because I can’t afford the newer ones so I am used to no warranty. So far my old Apple’s have never let me down!
Thank you for sharing.
iPhone 13 mini with iOS 18.6.2 raises authenticity concerns
