[impatient]

I’ve been pondering this for a while and wanted to get your thoughts. I have an aged Apple account with a history of legit purchases dating back to 2014, including two MacBooks and AirPods in the past 4–5 years, as well as several registered products bought from other stores.

I’m considering getting an iPhone 16 Pro, but I’m curious—does DNA still work in 2024? If so, could Apple potentially block the device after it’s activated?

What’s Apple’s stance on this kind of situation in 2024? I’d appreciate any insights or feedback.

Thanks!

[prekrasnoyemirai]

They can block the IMEI, yes.
While I've never personally SE'd them, I've read numerous reports that Apple will just tell you to talk to the carrier in the case of DNA.

[impatient]

They can block the IMEI, yes.
While I've never personally SE'd them, I've read numerous reports that Apple will just tell you to talk to the carrier in the case of DNA.

Can anyone else confirm? There must be a way around this mess.

[Wreck_C]

A year or two ago, if you had an account with out previous issue and purchases it used to work once. Now, it seems like they are declining these claims more often or requesting PR from what i have seen. They did not request one then, makes sense though cause they more aware now. They did not block IMEI then but idk if that changed.

[impatient]

I am going to give it a go and report back promptly. I got a good feeling about this.

[Gertzerroz]

They can block the IMEI, yes.
While I've never personally SE'd them, I've read numerous reports that Apple will just tell you to talk to the carrier in the case of DNA.

I SE'd an Iphone 2 years ago from Apple. I just ordered it on fresh account and did a chargeback for unauthorized charge. They didn't block the IMEI.

[mcpvperz]

Usually Apple is very stingy with their DNA's. They'll request PR's and even if you provide one and they accept and refund, it takes about a month. I did an SE for Airpods a year back and EB worked without hesitation from CS, instant refund over phone in 5 minutes after it was marked delivered. iPhone's a different. I've read a lot about people's IMEI being blacklisted afterwards and the phone being rendered useless.

[impatient]

Usually Apple is very stingy with their DNA's. They'll request PR's and even if you provide one and they accept and refund, it takes about a month. I did an SE for Airpods a year back and EB worked without hesitation from CS, instant refund over phone in 5 minutes after it was marked delivered. iPhone's a different. I've read a lot about people's IMEI being blacklisted afterwards and the phone being rendered useless.

I will give it a shot - if DNA doesn't work, I will return. If I try EB, is it possible to return?

[HEIS]

I will give it a shot - if DNA doesn't work, I will return. If I try EB, is it possible to return?

sure, it's not like you are denied and prohibited to return products,
it all comes down to your se skillz, even if you claimed you've got rid of the product its still possible to return,  use your imagination to have some story, and even without one you're not obliged to explain what happened, they still accept returns

[prekrasnoyemirai]

Usually Apple is very stingy with their DNA's. They'll request PR's and even if you provide one and they accept and refund, it takes about a month. I did an SE for Airpods a year back and EB worked without hesitation from CS, instant refund over phone in 5 minutes after it was marked delivered. iPhone's a different. I've read a lot about people's IMEI being blacklisted afterwards and the phone being rendered useless.

I will give it a shot - if DNA doesn't work, I will return. If I try EB, is it possible to return?

EB isn't working with Apple direct anymore.