iPad New 2018 6th gen iPad, F9 factory, China, refurbished???

[Populus]

Hi folks.

Today I bought a brand new iPad 6th gen, new, not refurbished, on the Apple Store with the Black Friday gift card promo. And, to my surprise, when I checked the factory where it was manufactured, it is a possibly refurbished devices factory, the F9 on China.

So, my question for you folks is, if you have a 6th gen iPad, what factory was it made on? You only have to check the first two characters on your serial number. Does it begin with F9 as well? Is that a refurb, or a brand new model? Thank you.

Cheers.

 

[Shadowbech]

If you purchased it brand new it will be brand new. F in the first letter signifies the location on the manufacturing plant and looks like F is based in Zhengzhou, China.

 

[nicho]

I have two 2018 iPads in front of me and both start with F9. Both were brand new. One was purchased like a week after release so it's almost impossible that it's a refurb.

 

[Populus]

@Shadowbech
@nicho

Thank you guys, you’ve been very useful both of you.

Actually I stopped worrying about it the second I opened it, because it looks and runs flawlessly. It’s awesome, after using an iPad Air for 5 long years... the difference is notable.

I thought it couldn’t be a refurbished product regardless of the factory, but you just helped me confirm this is a normal iPad.

Thanks guys.

 

[1BadManVan]

First two on mine is DM, where do you find what factory it’s made in? Now I’m curious lol

 

[Octoberist]

Companies can’t sell refurbished models as new. That’ll invite a massive and dangerous class action lawsuit!

 

[1BadManVan]

Mine was made in Foxconn in China, week 34 August built

 

[yoimrae]

My iPad 2018 also starts with F9. Also brand new.

 

[Populus]

Thank you people! Everything is fine, false alarm I guess.
Thanks for your help