Should I buy refurbished from Apple or a third-party seller?

Buy from Apple directly. Apple treats refurbished units as good as new — new battery, new shell, full one-year warranty, and you can add AppleCare. Third-party sellers might save you a few bucks, but you’re gambling on battery health, cosmetic damage, and whether that “refurbished” label means anything. The only reason to go third-party is if you need a specific configuration Apple doesn’t offer refurbished, or you find a deal too good to ignore — but too good usually means corners cut.