Apple is introducing a new diagnostic tool at its retail stores that can scan iPhones inside sealed packaging to detect missing devices or components, helping employees identify fraudulent returns while reducing unnecessary inventory losses.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company began shipping the equipment to Apple Stores earlier this month, and the devices are now becoming operational. The system builds on Apple’s existing Presto technology, which allows employees to communicate with iPhones without opening their boxes.
How Apple’s New iPhone Scanning Tool Works
Apple Stores have reportedly faced cases where people purchase iPhones, remove internal components or accessories, and return the packaging for a refund. Some individuals also take the entire device and reseal the box before returning it.
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To prevent these fraudulent returns, employees currently open suspicious packages to inspect their contents, even when the original seals appear intact. However, this process creates another problem because opened products often require additional warehouse processing before Apple can sell them again.
The new scanning tool aims to address both problems by allowing employees to:
- Scan sealed iPhone boxes to check whether the device remains inside.
- Run diagnostics to verify that the iPhone is intact and detect potential tampering.
- Identify suspicious returns without routinely opening the packaging.
- Preserve sellable inventory by keeping verified products sealed and ready for resale.
Apple has not disclosed the scanner’s exact technical specifications or explained which internal components its diagnostics can independently verify.
Apple Builds on Its Existing Presto Technology
The new equipment uses technology from Apple’s Presto system, which the company originally developed to update iPhone software without breaking factory seals.
As we previously covered, Presto uses a cabinet-like machine that can accommodate six iPhone boxes simultaneously and typically completes software updates within 15 to 30 minutes.
Here’s how the two systems compare:
| Feature | Presto | New diagnostic tool |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Software updates | Return verification |
| Works with sealed boxes | Yes | Yes |
| Checks device integrity | Not its reported purpose | Yes |
| Main benefit | Updated software before sale | Reduced fraud and inventory losses |
We also reported on Apple’s wireless in-box update technology, which allows stores to prepare devices before customers purchase them.
Apple’s latest development extends that approach to returns, potentially reducing warehouse processing costs and helping stores identify tampered devices before issuing refunds.
The company has not confirmed when the new scanners will reach every retail location or whether they will support products beyond iPhones.
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