Apple is selling refurbished iPhones on its official website for the first time since 2007. Potential iPhone owners who balk at the price of the new iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus can now buy a refurbished iPhone 6S or iPhone 6S Plus from Apple.com. Unfortunately, they're not cheap.
Apple has been selling refurbished versions of pretty much all of its products on its website for years. Including Macs, iPads, and various overpriced accessories (but probably not dongles). However, Apple hasn't offered refurbed iPhones since 2007, when the original iPhone made its debut.
As first spotted by MacRumors, you can currently buy a refurbed 16GB iPhone 6S for $489, a refurbed 16GB iPhone 6S Plus for $529, or a refurbed 64GB iPhone 6S Plus for $589. For that price you'll get an unlocked, SIM-free device with a brand new outer shell and battery. Apple also throws in a one-year guarantee, plus free shipping and returns.
There's no sign of refurbed versions of the iPhone SE, iPhone 7, or iPhone 7 Plus becoming available yet because they're all too new. However, assuming people actually buy these offerings, Apple is likely to add newer models as and when they become available.
Are These Refurbished iPhones Value for Money?
These offers represent savings of 15 percent off the list price of a new device. Which really isn't very generous at all. For the sake of that extra $100 you should probably just buy a brand new device. And if you can't afford that extra $100 you probably shouldn't be buying an iPhone in the first place... (don't tell anyone but Androids are significantly cheaper).
Even if you're determined to buy a refurbished iPhone, there are better deals available. You're bound to nab a bigger bargain by buying from a friend or an auction site such as eBay. If you buy direct from Apple you're essentially paying a premium for that one-year warranty. Which, admittedly, does offer peace of mind. But $600 for a second-hand phone? That's pushing it.
Have you ever bought a refurbished Apple product? Or a used iPhone from anywhere other than Apple? How did you find the experience? What do you think of these prices? Should Apple have priced its refurbed iPhones lower to appeal to a wider demographic? Please let us know in the comments below!
Image Credit: Frankieleon via Flickr