Apple has a simple way to check whether your iPhone is new, refurbished, or replaced; all you need is its model number.
The first letter of the iPhone’s model code defines its original status: new retail, refurbished, or replacement.
Additional checks, such as IMEI verification, warranty status, and physical inspection, help confirm authenticity and condition.
The iPhone market has been expanding worldwide. With the launch of every new iPhone, Apple is enjoying an increased user base. Across the globe, millions purchase iPhones every day, not only from Apple Stores but also from resellers, e-commerce platforms, carriers, and pre-owned marketplaces. Therefore, confusions regarding a device’s authenticity are genuine.
Users often ask whether the iPhone they received is brand new, previously serviced, or refurbished. Since price and trust depend heavily on device originality, checking its authenticity is an important consideration.
Fortunately, Apple has default options to reveal an iPhone’s lifecycle. With just a few minutes and a basic understanding of Apple codes, you can check whether your device is new, a refurbished model, or a replacement unit issued during repair.
Apple understands the value of brand transparency. Therefore, every iPhone has a distinct model identifier, where the first letter of the model number provides direct insight into its background. If you have not explored this feature yet, below are the steps to follow:
Go to Settings
Click on General
Scroll to About
You will see the Model Number under this section
Check the first character
It’s not like the company writes the terms completely; here’s what the prefixes indicate:
If your iPhone model number starts with M, then rest assured, you are using a freshly produced device. It has not been refurbished, repackaged, or serviced before sale.
If you reach the model number section and find an F, it means Apple acknowledges the device as refurbished. The company processes these devices through strict testing, part replacement (if required), and quality checks before resale. Refurbished devices generally function like new, but come at a lower price.
Now, if the model number of your device begins with N, Apple has issued this device as a replacement for models that users submit for warranty or repair. These are usually refurbished models, but with higher standards.
Model numbers that start with P indicate customized devices purchased with Apple engraving. These are also fresh units, but manufactured for specific buyers.
Once you understand the difference between these initials, you can differentiate between marketing claims and reality to stay aware of the device you are investing in.
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Well, there are other ways for sure. If the model number is not something you are convinced to go with, here are the different ways to verify your iPhone’s authenticity and history.
The first and most popular way to check whether your iPhone is a new model or refurbished is to verify it using its IMEI. You have to dial *#06# or follow the below steps:
Visit Settings.
Scroll to General
Tap on About
Look for the IMEI or serial number.
Once you find the IMEI or the serial number of the device, enter it on Apple’s coverage checker. It will show all the details, including activation status, warranty eligibility, and support validity. If it shows previous activation, the device is not brand new.
Another convenient way to determine the authenticity of your iPhone is to visit the warranty page and find the first activation date. If your device warranty is partially consumed, it is not a brand-new model.
Inspecting the packaging also offers some insight. Generally, brand-new models come with sealed, shrink-wrapped boxes, and matching serial numbers on the box and device. If the device is refurbished, it may look different and have mismatched details. Even the model might have some visible scratches.
All these checking methods can effectively help you better understand your device.
Also Read: Apple Sounds Alarm: iOS 26.2 Update Fixes Actively Exploited iPhone Flaws
If the confusion is why you should verify your iPhone’s authenticity, financial transparency, brand trust, and long-term reliability are the keys. When you are investing in a model, ensuring you know what you are spending money on is essential.
With Apple’s precise model numbers, IMEI verification, service history, and basic inspection methods, determining a device’s true origin takes only a few minutes. Whether purchasing from Apple, a reseller, or a second-hand marketplace, these checks ensure informed and secure buying decisions.
1. How can I quickly check if my iPhone is new, refurbished, or a replacement?
Ans: The fastest method is to access the model number from the ‘About’ section under ‘Settings’. If the 1st letter is M, the model is new. Similarly, F is Refurbished, N denotes Replacement, and P means Personalized.
2. Does a refurbished iPhone work as well as a new one?
Ans: Apple guarantees refurbished models have passed QA and been repaired, if necessary, to meet the brand standards. They also work typically with warranty support.
3. Can a seller change the model number to hide the phone’s status?
Ans: A seller can not change or alter the model prefix from Apple; they are part of the original Apple model. You should check the IMEI and warranty details to be 100% certain.
4. Where can I check my iPhone’s IMEI and warranty status?
Ans: To check the IMEI, you can dial *#06# or go to ‘Settings’, then ‘General’, and then ‘About’. Check the IMEI there, then enter it into Apple's coverage checker to access the warranty and activation information.
5. What does an ‘N’ model iPhone mean?
Ans: An iPhone with a model number starting with N indicates that the device is made as a replacement of the defective unit during repair or warranty exchanges.