I bought an iphone 16 pro and the model number starts with 5. Is it a refurbished device?

The seller claims that the phone was replaced under the official apple warranty. The box does not look like the one from the original phone

iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Oct 7, 2025 1:55 PM

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Posted on Oct 7, 2025 2:32 PM

Replacement iPhones will come in a white box, not the regular retail one.


The model number should start with the letter F for units refurbished by Apple and sold through their Refurbished store.


iPhones given as a replacement for another one during a repair, would have a model that starts with the letter N.


iPhones with model numbers that start with a number are refurbished by 3rd parties, not directly Apple or demo units not meant for sale.




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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 7, 2025 2:32 PM in response to yourwest

Replacement iPhones will come in a white box, not the regular retail one.


The model number should start with the letter F for units refurbished by Apple and sold through their Refurbished store.


iPhones given as a replacement for another one during a repair, would have a model that starts with the letter N.


iPhones with model numbers that start with a number are refurbished by 3rd parties, not directly Apple or demo units not meant for sale.




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I bought an iphone 16 pro and the model number starts with 5. Is it a refurbished device?

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