Apple Starts Refurbished iPhone 16 Lineup With Discounted Prices

Apple has begun selling officially refurbished versions of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Refurbished units carry discounts of 12% to 22% compared with the current new pricing for the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, while Pro and Pro Max models are priced against their original launch pricing since those models have been discontinued.

The exact prices are shown in a table included with the release materials, which compares the September 2024 launch price for each model, the current pricing for new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus units, and the refurbished costs.

Apple notes that refurbished iPhones are unlocked, come with a new battery and a new outer shell, and ship in a plain box with a USB-C cable. These devices are covered by Apple’s one-year limited warranty and are eligible for extended AppleCare+ or AppleCare One coverage. Apple also states that refurbished models are thoroughly cleaned and tested and are generally indistinguishable from brand new devices.

What buyers get

• Unlocked devices
• New battery and new outer shell
• Ships in a plain box with a USB-C cable
• One-year limited warranty
• Eligible for extended AppleCare+ or AppleCare One coverage
• Thorough cleaning and testing; generally indistinguishable from new

Model specifics and features

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models feature 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively, up from the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro and 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Other new features include a Camera Control button, an A18 Pro chip optimized for Apple Intelligence, a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera, support for 4K at 120 FPS video recording, longer battery life, faster charging over MagSafe, and improved microphones.

The lower-end iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus also have a Camera Control and Apple Intelligence.

The pricing table and the accompanying notes emphasize that the refurbished options provide an unlocked device with a fresh battery and shell, backed by Apple’s warranty and care options, while offering a discount relative to current new pricing or original Pro/Pro Max pricing for those models no longer in production.

In summary, Apple has formally opened its officially refurbished iPhone 16 lineup with discounts, clear warranty terms, and the standard refurbishment assurances that accompany Apple’s program. The move aligns with broader market signals that refurbished devices remain a channel for value in the premium smartphone segment.