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Its that time of the year when Apple cleans out its Certified Refurbished storefront and adds dozens of fresh iPhone listings, so whats old is new again. Well, like new.
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This latest wave of refurbished devices includes every iPhone 15 model released in 2023, including the Plus and Pro Max, with discounts ranging from $110 to $230.
While I wouldnt call these the best phone deals right now, especially if you pinch out and see what competing programs like Amazons Renewed Premium and Gazelle are offering, Apples Certified Refurbished program does have some unique benefits that may better suit you.
When you buy any Apple product from its Certified Refurbished section, youre getting a previously used device thats been cleaned from the inside out, tested to be fully functional, and repaired with genuine Apple parts.
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That last bit is very important when it comes to after-sales support, as technicians at Apple stores (and other Apple Authorized Service Providers) are only authorized to fix products made with genuine parts. Should you replace that swollen battery, cracked screen, or damaged camera with a third-party component, it would very likely void any warranty you have on the device.
With the new iPhone 15 listings on Apples Certified Refurbished page, each one is repackaged with the usual accessories (charging cable and manuals) in a brand-new box. It comes with a one-year limited warranty and the option to add AppleCare+ (for unlimited repairs for accidental damage, theft, and loss coverage, and more).
Warranty benefits aside, how much are you saving by buying a refurbished iPhone 15? Heres the breakdown when shopping refurbished instead of new/retail:
Notably, while the iPhone 16 lineup has taken over Apples main storefront, the company still sells new variants of the iPhone 15 ($729) and iPhone 15 Plus ($829), should you prefer an older model that hasnt been tinkered with.
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But if youre planning to buy the iPhone 15 directly from the Apple store — say youre using gift cards — then the refurbished models are the way to go. From my experience, customer testimonials across Reddit, and Apple-based forums, the condition of Apples Certified Refurbished products tend to be good as new, or mint.
The new $599 iPhone 16e also exists, though it lacks the ultrawide camera, Dynamic Island interface, and MagSafe compatibility of the iPhone 15 series.
Sure, the final cost of the refurbished iPhone might not give you the impression that youre stealing from Apple, but it should provide a greater peace of mind than if you were to shop from a third-party marketplace.
And if Apples Certified Refurbished program happens to be carrying a model you were originally planning to buy new, then saving the few hundred dollars (while helping the planet) is well worth it.
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