How to fix expired warranty and incorrect purchase date on iPhone 16 Pro Max after iOS 26 update?

aabubaker59 wrote:

started with 5

whats that mean ؟

It means whoever sold the phone to you, lied if they said it was brand new. It was NOT brand new. It was refurbished by an Apple approved refurbisher, but not by Apple and it has absolutely NO warranty with Apple.

There is nothing Apple can or will do about this for you. You didn't buy it from Apple, so if you're not happy about this, return it to the seller for refund if they permit returns. If they don't, there's likely nothing wrong with a refurbished iPhone. But it is most definitely NOT a new iPhone.

It doesn't have anything to do with Apple Servers as you surmised above. A refurbished iPhone would not be activated, so that assumption is wrong on your part as well. You activated a refurbished iPhone, not a new iPhone.

As mentioned, the chances of buying a brand new iPhone 16 Pro Max at this point are beyond low.

Open Settings > General > About > Model

Does the model start with a 3 or 5? If yes, you didn't buy a brand new iPhone. You bought a Refurbished iPhone and iOS 26 couldn't in any way change that fact. It would mean you bought an iPhone from a refurbisher, possibly one approved by Apple, but NOT by Apple. And as such, the phone won't have any warranty from Apple.

Since iPhone 16 Pro Max was discontinued nearly 3 months ago by Apple, the chances of buying a brand new 16 Pro Max at this point aren't very good.

aabubaker59 wrote:

1. The seller told me the iPhone has a 1-year local warranty, and he also said it is a “swap” device — but I honestly don’t know what he means by that.

I want to clarify two things:

Is it true that any model number starting with 3 or 5 always means the device is refurbished, rebuilt, or previously repaired?

2.

If this device is really refurbished or swapped, then how did Apple’s official website show it as “Not Activated” before I even opened the box? I personally checked the serial number before unboxing, and it showed Not Activated, which is confusing.

A local warranty is NOT with Apple, but may be with the store you purchased the phone from. That again, has nothing to do with Apple.

When they say it was a swapped phone, that usually means it was returned for issues and was then refurbished. And yes, a model beginning with 3 or 5 ALWAYS means the phone is refurbished.

As to the Apple check you performed, it likely wouldn't update until the phone was newly activated. But it did update and there's nothing you can do about the fact the phone is refurbished. As mentioned earlier, if you aren't happy with that, you need to deal with the seller. No one here nor at Apple can help you in this regard.

What you just posted is exactly what you should expect when you purchase a refurbished iPhone, not from Apple. I get you're not happy, but nothing is going to change reality. You bought a refurbished phone. And if you have an issue with that, take it up with the seller. We nor anyone at Apple can help you with this.

1. Is it true that any model number starting with 3 or 5 always means the device is refurbished, rebuilt, or previously repaired?

Refurbished....yes.

Refurbishing is essentially rebuilding or repairing the phone to get it working correctly. That might entail replacing any defective parts and installing a new battery and shrink wrapping the phone and box to make it appear "new".

he also said it is a “swap” device

Sounds like the seller is saying that a user returned the phone because it was defective, and the seller gave the user another phone. But, that's a guess. Ask the seller to explain, since we can only guess at what the seller is really saying.

If this device is really refurbished or swapped, then how did Apple’s official website show it as “Not Activated” before I even opened the box?

It simply means the reworked refurbished device had not been activated. You are the first person to activate the refurbished phone.

The seller told me the iPhone has a 1-year local warranty

You will have to clarify this with the seller. Perhaps they use a local shop that can handle service and repairs, and the seller will cover the costs of any work required..

However, if you take the phone to an authorized Apple service shop, they will not cover anything under warranty. You, or someone else....(the seller?).....will pay for any service that is performed.

If you have to pay for service or repairs, suppose you could try submitting the bill to the seller and ask them to reimburse you as part of the "local" warranty they are talking about.......whatever that might be.

The bottom line here is that you did not buy a "new" phone. You bought a "used / refurbished" phone. Apple cannot help you.

Hello~ From whom did you purchase this iPhone? In the meantime…

About the warranty coverage for your Apple device

~Katana-San~

What was the date before you upgraded?

Interestingly I'm seeing the same and my warranty should be valid at least another 6 weeks.

Hello once more~ Again… from whom did you purchase this iPhone?

~Katana-San