HT201472: If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen

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pknsuthar

Q: Why is the serial and model number different on the box and in the ipad?

We own an iPad 2 for around 3 years now.  We were just planning on upgrading to a newer version and wanted to post the older one for resale.  We have kept good care and even the original box for the iPad 2 that we purchased from the apple store.  I was trying to be detailed in my listing as I could and include all the info a user would want to ensure confidence in purchasing an iPad from us (my wife and I) over the usual "had it for xx months and never use it.." tagline.  When I noticed for the first time that Model and the Serial numbers are different on the box and in the "About" section in the setting of the iPad itself.  After querying the serial number on the box on Apple support site I was sown the message in short, "serial number for a product that has been replaced..".  Once entering the serial number in the iPad Settings About Page I am shown that it is an iPad 2 and after searching a couple of random 3rd party database websites I am able to read in more detail about the serial number on the box, the 3rd party sites show the iPad 2 as well however the specs detail say the iPad 2 is 32 GB version, and the conflicting search result show the iPad 2 as a 16 GB using model number from the Setting About Page.

 

Now the my question is not how do I get 32 GB device I thought I was buying and somehow ended up with a 16 GB device in stead.  The "32 GB" is labeled on the box with serial number and model number.  And to be honest I don't recall what we asked for 16 or 32 GB when we were purchased it, my kid has used it from day 1 and it's my ignorance I've never noticed the storage when I have been checking every site and app he has been able to use, download and especially been asked to provide any personal or non info.  So I do not have any issues and don't feel any harm was done far as the storage, although I would be interested in any details if anyone has more.  Even if I end up with end reason, should have taken the iPad back within x time and would have gotten the of the two devices, but nothing can be done now.

 

However only being able to see results from the iPad info only when I search using serial number in the Settings, and further red text with red flags when not being able to provide any reference about the valid (Although not technically valid because not confirmed directly from Apple) change in model/serial number using the ones provided on the packaging box certainly raises questions in my mind, certainly will too in the mind of anyone that likes to dot the i's and cross the t'es about a possible foul play in the dealing.

 

Is there anyway to answer this question when asked and I rather point it out to the buyer upfront and provide proof with it?  Now I know trashing the box or black marker maybe an option, especially since I know iPad is ours, was bought as a new device with wrap at the Apple store... I rather not hide something that I know to be a concern to me.  I am very much in support of the move made by Apple to require password to reset a device if setup correctly, we certainly use that on all of our devices now and this iPad 2 is under an Apple ID used on multiple devices.

 

ps - I fully understand margin of errors just need to be expected, and history of defects are far fewer than any statisticians would ever think would be possible in a massive, complex and efficient place as Apple -- Just feeling upset thinking... "why me, now and how playing by all the rules for years gives not better results".  I've never jailbroke an Apple device, I've not reset a password for accounts and usernames for my clients when I had access to do so.  I don't intend to start any of that now, but do feel the premium service is a little less platinum at the moment.

iPad 2 Wi-Fi, iOS 8.1

Posted on Nov 20, 2014 2:14 AM