Story perspectives

Apple Deploys Scanners to Catch Sealed iPhone Return Fraud

By Drooid · Oct 25, 2026, 10:26 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Apple began rolling out scanners that inspect sealed iPhone boxes for return fraud.
The scanners diagnose the sealed iPhone to verify the device is fully intact.
Previously staff opened packaging to examine returns, sending even legitimate items to a warehouse.
The hardware incorporates Presto technology, previously used for pre-sale iPhone software updates.
Fraudsters often strip accessories, components, or whole phones from boxes to resell parts.

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Story summary

Apple began rolling out scanners that inspect sealed iPhone boxes for return fraud.
The scanners diagnose the sealed iPhone to verify the device is fully intact.
Previously staff opened packaging to examine returns, sending even legitimate items to a warehouse.
The hardware incorporates Presto technology, previously used for pre-sale iPhone software updates.
Fraudsters often strip accessories, components, or whole phones from boxes to resell parts.