Is Buying a Refurbished iPhone or MacBook Worth It?

Unboxing a brand new iPhone, iPad or MacBook is exciting, but what if you could save some money in the process?

Apple offers certified refurbished versions of its products, allowing you to pick up your favorite Apple electronics with discounts around 23% and higher. We found a certified refurbished iPhone for 50% less than a comparable new phone.

But, what are Apple refurbished products, and are the savings worth it? We explore the Apple refurbishment process to help you decide if a refurbished iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch or Apple TV is worth it.

(Spoiler alert: Buying a certified refurbished Apple product can absolutely be worth it.)

What Does Apple Certified Refurbished Mean?

Apple refurbished products are electronics that can no longer be sold as brand new. They may have been floor models, returned unused or used for a short period. Apple takes these electronics and restores them to their original factory condition.

When you purchase a refurbished Apple productit is delivered in a sealed white Apple box. The experience of unboxing a refurbished iPhone is the same as buying one brand new. You should see no discernible difference. It’s not like buying a used device.

Preparing an Apple product for a refurbished sale includes a thorough inspection, cleaning and testing process for each iPad, MacBook or other device. Apple also replaces defective or worn components with genuine replacement parts to keep them up to standard.

Apple refurbished electronics are technically used, but they’re as good as new when they return to the market. Most products come with 90 days of free tech support and a one-year limited warranty too — just like a brand new product.

If you’re looking to save money on an Apple Watch or other product, you can buy a certified refurbished device with confidence.