If your iPhone is getting old, you can now upgrade to an iPhone X, XS, or XS Max for a lot less. Apple recently announced it is selling refurbished iPhone X models through its online shop or one of its certified retailers. Depending on the model you choose, you could save hundreds of dollars when you buy a refurbished iPhone X, XS, or XS Max over a brand new unit. Here’s how and where to buy a refurbished iPhone, and how much you will save.
When Apple first released the iPhone X in 2017, it initially cost $999 for the 64GB version. Now, you can get a certified refurbished iPhone X from Apple for only $599. You can also get the 64GB version of the iPhone XS for $699 or the XS Max for $799.
You might have found refurbished iPhones on Amazon or other 3rd-party retailers for cheaper. However, even though you’ll spend $100 more when you buy from Apple, it is worth the money. This is because, unlike other renewed iPhones available elsewhere, Apple and its certified retailers sell only Apple Certified Refurbished products.
What Does Refurbished Mean?
Refurbished products are “like new,” but not brand new. When you buy a refurbished product, you are really buying a used item that was returned for one reason or another. Some retailers use “renewed” as another term for refurbished.
However, Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones undergo what Apple claims is a “rigorous refurbishment process.” Apple conducts tests to make sure these iPhones pass the same functional standards as brand new iPhones.
Are Refurbished iPhones Good?
If you’re wondering whether refurbished iPhones are good, you will be happy to know that they truly are, especially the ones that come with the Apple Certified Refurbished stamp. An Apple product that comes with this promise is practically new.
Apple puts in a new battery and a new outer shell. If an iPhone needs new parts, Apple only uses genuine parts to replace them. Apple also cleans and inspects each iPhone for quality assurance as well.
An Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone also comes with all the accessories and cables that you would get with a brand new iPhone. It will have the latest version of iOS, and you get free shipping if you choose to return an Apple Certified refurbished iPhone to Apple.
Despite not being brand new, each iPhone comes with Apple’s standard one-year limited warranty. You also get an option to purchase AppleCare for added protection and insurance for your refurbished Apple device.
Where to Buy Refurbished iPhone
You can purchase an Apple Certified Refurbished iPhone from the Apple website or from 3rd-party retailers, like Amazon. A word of caution, though, 3rd-party retailers don’t have the same standards as Apple ones.
If you happen to compare deals, you will notice that 3rd-party iPhones also have a shorter warranty. Third-party retailers also don’t change out the batteries, and they don’t provide the original accessories, like the charging cables. That’s why you are usually better off buying an Apple Certified Refurbished product, even if it costs you a little more.
If you want to know how much money you can get for your old iPhone through the Apple Trade-In program, check out our guide here.