Thinking about buying iPhones in bulk? If you’re starting a resale business, supplying devices for your company, or looking to score a better deal, wholesale iPhone purchasing can be a great investment—but only if you do it right. The market is filled with genuine Apple products, but it’s also riddled with counterfeits, refurbished models passed off as new, and sellers who cut corners.
Since Apple releases new iPhones every year, the wholesale business keeps evolving. With the Apple iPhone 16 series currently dominating the market and the iPhone 17 lineup expected later this year, it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest buying tips. To help you avoid common pitfalls and make a smart, profitable purchase, here are seven key factors you need to know before buying iPhones wholesale in 2025.
Why Buy New iPhones Wholesale?
You might wish to buy an iPhone from a retail store at full price, but if you want to start an iPhone reselling business then that’s probably not the way to start. You see there are millions of iPhones being sold by Apple and some of them are exchanged or traded in as the year moves on. So some companies buy them and get them certified and then sell them at a discount too. If you are buying wholesale iPhones then you will get even more discounts.
1. Ensure You’re Buying Genuine iPhones
The biggest risk when purchasing iPhones wholesale is getting scammed with counterfeit or tampered devices. While most legitimate wholesalers will provide factory-sealed units, some may try to pass off refurbished or fake devices as new. Here’s how to verify authenticity:
- Check the IMEI & Serial Number: Go to Apple’s official website and enter the IMEI/Serial Number to verify if it’s a genuine Apple product.
- Factory Packaging: A genuine new iPhone comes in a sealed box with Apple’s official packaging. If it’s open, ask why.
- Purchase from Apple-Authorized Wholesalers: If possible, buy from Apple-certified distributors to reduce risk and make sure to have devices with official warranties.
If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Always double-check before handing over your money. While Apple doesn’t provide you a warranty for the device if it’s more than one year old if you have a valid iPhone with a bill, the company at least will repair it. So always insist on proof of previous sales and purchases of the wholesale iPhone you will buy.
2. Cross-Verify Serial Numbers
Apple tracks every device it sells via a unique serial number. Before you finalize a bulk purchase, cross-check each serial number to ensure that:
- The devices are new and untampered
- They are not blacklisted (stolen, lost, or fraudulently obtained)
- They match the official Apple database
To check it on an iPhone, go to Settings > General > About to find the serial number. Enter it on Apple’s verification page to confirm its status. If any serial number is flagged or doesn’t match Apple’s database, it’s a red flag—do not proceed with the purchase.
3. Be Wary of Fake or Replaced Screens
Many used or refurbished iPhones in the wholesale market have had screen replacements, which can affect features like Face ID and True Tone display. Checking these Apple’s features will verify if the panel is original or replaced.
Here’s what to check:
- Face ID Functionality: If the screen has been replaced incorrectly, Face ID may stop working.
- True Tone Display: Go to Settings > Display & Brightness—if True Tone is missing, the screen may not be original.
- Screen Quality: Look for dull colors, dead pixels, or poor touch sensitivity; these are signs of a low-quality replacement.
When buying new iPhones in bulk, make sure all screens are factory-original and not third-party replacements.
4. Test the Hardware
When buying in bulk, testing each device manually might not be practical. However, you can randomly test a few units from the batch to ensure quality control. Often, the speakers, touch response, or any other hardware like the camera, etc might not be working to the best of their abilities.
So, follow this quick hardware checklist:
- Speakers & Mic – Play high-res music at max volume or HDR video and check if the sound is clear.
- Cameras – Test both front and back cameras for focus, clarity, and shutter speed.
- Touch & Buttons – Swipe across the screen to check for touch issues and press power, volume, and mute buttons for responsiveness.
If several devices in your batch show issues, the entire stock can be faulty or refurbished. Always ask for replacements if needed.
5. Check for Wireless Charging Issues
Since the iPhone 12 and newer models have MagSafe wireless charging, it’s crucial to check if the feature works properly. A damaged wireless charging coil can cause charging issues, and replacing it is expensive.
To test if the wireless charging system of the iPhone is fully functional, here’s what to do:
- Place the iPhone on a MagSafe charger – If it doesn’t charge properly, there can be an issue.
- Check for overheating – Some defective units overheat while charging wirelessly.
- Test with multiple chargers – Try both wired and wireless charging to confirm all power functions work.
This test is especially important for businesses that plan to sell iPhones later—no one wants unhappy customers returning faulty devices or drowning their money instead of making a profit.
6. Confirm AppleCare and Warranty Status
Apple provides a one-year warranty on new iPhones, but some wholesalers sell older stock where the warranty has already started—or worse, expired. To check the warranty, go to Settings > General > About and look for the coverage status. Enter the serial number on Apple’s website to see if AppleCare is available for purchase.
To purchase iPhones wholesale for reselling, consider offering AppleCare options to your customers—it adds extra value and boosts buyer confidence. It’s a general practice, the more features and services you offer to buyers in any business, the better the sales will be.
7. Test the Lightning or USB-C Port
Since Apple has transferred to USB-C on the iPhone 15 series, it’s important to check charging ports before buying in bulk. A faulty Lightning or USB-C port can render an iPhone useless, which makes it a costly mistake.
Here’s how to test it:
- Plug in a charger and check for any loose connection issues.
- Connect it to a PC/Mac to see if the device syncs properly.
- Try different cables and adapters to ensure it charges without interruptions.
Since Apple no longer includes chargers in the box, factor in the cost of chargers when buying wholesale—customers might expect you to provide them.
Final Thoughts: Buy Smart, Avoid Mistakes
Buying iPhones wholesale can be a great business move if done right. But it’s easy to fall into traps in the scam world if you’re not careful and don’t understand things. Always verify authenticity, check serial numbers, test key functions, and buy from reputable sources. By following these crucial steps, you’ll avoid scams, get the best deals, and ensure you’re buying high-quality iPhones that have value and will satisfy the users.
Quick Recap Before You Buy:
- Verify authenticity (IMEI & serial numbers)
- Check for Face ID, display, and hardware issues
- Test wireless charging and charging ports
- Confirm AppleCare & warranty status
- Only buy from trusted wholesalers
With the iPhone 17 series launching a few months later, now is a great time to buy iPhones wholesale before prices shift. Follow these tips, and you’ll make smart, safe, and profitable purchases.
