So you just dropped your precious iPhone and are looking to replace it at the Apple Store? When taking your device to the Apple Store one of our biggest concerns is that if AppleCare will fix the phone or completely replace the device. This is because depending on the problem, the Genious Bar either replaces the device or does a same-day repair.
These two options are very subjective as some people would rather get a completely new device while others would rather keep their same phone. Unfortunately, that decision is up to the Genius Bar technician based on the condition and problem of your device.
When Apple gives you a new phone, is it refurbished?
Firstly, we need to understand the device that Apple replaces your current damaged phone with. When Apple determines that your phone has to be replaced, you will not get a brand new device even if the device is under the one-year warranty. Instead what you’ll receive is a refurbished iPhone.
What does a refurbished iPhone mean?
A refurbished iPhone is a damaged iPhone that Apple has repaired. But don’t worry! These refurbished devices are usually the same standards as brand-new devices. Unlike random phone repair stores, Apple uses OEM parts with refurbished phones. Additionally, refurbished iPhones have new batteries and are equipped with new outer shells. So the device will not have any signs of previous use.
Replaced refurbished iPhone warranty
Another advantage you will have with a refurbished device is that Apple will give you an additional 90 days warranty. If you still have AppleCare+, the remaining coverage will get inherited from the original iPhone to the refurbished device.
New iPhone with AppleCare
As explained above, Apple does not give brand new iPhones through AppleCare replacements. However, getting an upgraded phone with AppleCare is not impossible and has happened in the past.
Back in 2012, Apple forced itself to give upgraded devices on two occasions. Some Apple stores were forced to upgrade white iPhone 4 users to white iPhone 4S due to the lack of 16GB white iPhone 4.
“Apple has notified Apple Store Genius Bars that inventory of white iPhone 4 16GB replacements units is heavily constrained, and until further notice, stores lacking white iPhone 4 16GB replacements units should upgrade customers seeking a replacement phone to an iPhone 4S’, reports 9to5mac. This is only affecting Genius Bars in US and Canada.
This same problem, later on, happened with the black iPhone 4. Apple had to upgrade iPhone 4 owners to an iPhone 4S.