by Joe Rossignol
Apple this week published a new support document with some valuable tips for buying a preowned iPhone online or in person.
Apple starts off by touting that the iPhone "lasts longer than other smartphones," making a preowned iPhone a "great way to own an iPhone." Apple says it provides "industry-leading device support for software updates," although Google recently announced that its latest Pixel 8 phones will receive full Android updates for seven years, whereas iOS 17 only supports iPhone models released up to five years ago.
When buying a preowned iPhone online, it is very important to choose a trusted seller, as the device cannot be physically inspected at the time of purchase. If possible, make sure the iPhone is not Activation Locked, as this would prevent you from using the device unless you know the previous owner's Apple ID and password.
For in-person purchases, Apple shared a helpful checklist for inspecting a preowned iPhone. Apple explains how to check for damage, how to find out if parts have been replaced, how to view the battery's health, how to find out if the iPhone is locked to a carrier, how to ensure hardware like the camera and microphone are functional, and more.
While some of the tips are obvious, Apple's support document might be worth bookmarking if you plan to buy a used iPhone in the future.
[ 74 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
7thson
22 weeks ago
I love how all the coverage of googles “7 years of updates” is taken at a face value when google has a history of reneging and abandoning things
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
foobarbaz
22 weeks ago
Funny how they point out that checking battery health is important, yet still don't provide a UI with that info on most of their devices.
CapitalIdea
22 weeks ago
Sure, Apple supports the iPhone for a long time. But if they built a sturdy device, it would actually last longer. That is how you be green.
Yeah Apple is well known for having devices that do not last, have poor resale value, short support cycles and are made of weak materials like metal and glass. ?. Good grief you people are absurd.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jz0309
22 weeks ago
Good move Apple!
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vertsix
22 weeks ago
Seems like the pressure is getting to them after Google announced 7 years of support for Pixel 8.
Good, competition is great for all of us. Maybe this will mean better support.
The iPhone 7 only got 6 years of support.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannyyankou
22 weeks ago
Google specifically mentions '7 years of OS upgrades'. This means 7 different Android versions.
Look at the full context-
Today we announced our commitment to providing seven years of software support for Pixel 8 ('https://store.google.com/product/pixel_8?utm_source=keyword&utm_medium=google_oo&utm_campaign=GS107703&utm_content=blog') and Pixel 8 Pro ('https://store.google.com/product/pixel_8_pro?utm_source=keyword&utm_medium=google_oo&utm_campaign=GS107703&utm_content=blog'), including Android OS upgrades, security updates and regular Feature Drops.1 ('https://blog.google/products/pixel/software-support-pixel-8-pixel-8-pro/amp/#footnote-1') That means your Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will be supported all the way into 2030
Notice they say “seven years of software support including os upgrades, security updates” instead of “seven years of os upgrades”
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments
Popular Stories
Apple to Produce 8.5 Million OLED iPad Pro Models This Year
Friday March 8, 2024 3:32 am PST by Tim Hardwick
Apple has ordered an initial 8.5 million OLED display panels from South Korean suppliers for its upcoming redesigned iPad Pro models, which are expected to arrive as soon as this month. The refresh will mark the biggest design update to the Pro lineup since 2018. Apple is relying on different OLED display suppliers for the upcoming ~11-inch and ~13-inch iPad Pro models, with Samsung Display...
Read Full Article • 101 comments
Here Are All the M3 Macs Still Expected This Year
Saturday March 9, 2024 10:53 am PST by Tim Hardwick
Earlier this week, Apple announced new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models, the first Mac updates of the year featuring M3 series chips. But there are other Macs in Apple's lineup still to be updated to the latest M3 processors. So, where do the Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro fit into Apple's M3 roadmap for the year ahead? Here's what the latest rumors say. Mac Mini Apple announced ...
Read Full Article • 175 comments
Best Buy's Weekend Sale Includes Rare iPad Pro Deals and All-Time Low MacBook Discounts
Saturday March 9, 2024 9:26 am PST by Mitchel Broussard
Best Buy this weekend has a big sale on Apple MacBooks and iPads, including some of the first notable M2 iPad Pro discounts in months, alongside the best prices we've ever seen on MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iPad Air, and more. Some of these deals require a My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total membership, which start at $49.99/year. In addition to exclusive access to select discounts, you'll get...
Read Full Article • 22 comments
iOS 18 Rumor Recap: Smarter Siri, Design Changes, and More
Friday March 8, 2024 3:00 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
iOS 18 is still months away from being unveiled, but there are already several rumors and expectations for the software update, as outlined below. iOS 18 is rumored to include new ChatGPT-inspired generative AI features for Siri and many built-in apps, and Apple plans to add RCS support to the Messages app for an improved texting experience between iPhones and Android devices. The update is...
Read Full Article • 106 comments
Apple Releases macOS Sonoma 14.4
Thursday March 7, 2024 10:14 am PST by Juli Clover
Apple today released macOS Sonoma 14.4, the fourth major update to the macOS Sonoma operating system that launched last September. macOS Sonoma 14.4 comes over a month after macOS Sonoma 14.3, an update that brought collaborative Apple Music playlists. The macOS Sonoma 14.4 update can be downloaded for free on all eligible Macs using the Software Update section of...
Read Full Article • 172 comments
Apple Releases tvOS 17.4
Thursday March 7, 2024 10:06 am PST by Juli Clover
Apple today released tvOS 17.4, the fourth major update to the tvOS 17 operating system that came out last September. tvOS 17.4 comes over a month after the release of tvOS 17.3. tvOS 17.4 can be downloaded using the Settings app on the Apple TV. Go to System > Software Update to get the new software. Apple TV owners who have automatic software updates activated will be upgraded to...
Read Full Article • 52 comments
'); }
Next Article
Apple CEO Tim Cook Makes Unusual Appearance in Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Premiere Video