Should you buy a refurbished iPhone 15 from Apple? Only if these factors matter to you

It’s that time of the year when Apple cleans out its Certified Refurbished storefront and adds dozens of fresh iPhone listings, so what’s 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 wouldn’t call these the best phone deals right now, especially if you pinch out and see what competing programs like Amazon’s Renewed Premium and Gazelle are offering, Apple’s Certified Refurbished program does have some unique benefits that may better suit you.

The not-so-secret benefit of buying from Apple

When you buy any Apple product from its Certified Refurbished section, you’re getting a previously used device that’s been cleaned from the inside out, tested to be fully functional, and repaired with genuine Apple parts. 

CNET: Survey finds 31% of US adults hold onto unused devices – why you shouldn’t

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 Apple’s 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).

Is the refurbished iPhone 15 a good deal?

Warranty benefits aside, how much are you saving by buying a refurbished iPhone 15? Here’s the breakdown when shopping refurbished instead of new/retail:

Notably, while the iPhone 16 lineup has taken over Apple’s 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 hasn’t been tinkered with. 

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But if you’re planning to buy the iPhone 15 directly from the Apple store — say you’re 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 Apple’s 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.

Bottom line

Sure, the final cost of the refurbished iPhone might not give you the impression that you’re 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 Apple’s 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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