For some time, iPhones taken to an Apple Store with damage were replaced — not repaired. Now, stores and service providers repair iPhone 14.
Apple Stores and authorized service providers can now perform repairs on all iPhone 14 models without needing to replace a broken device, a change first reported by MacRumors after obtaining an internal memo. The changes come months after the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus were designed with reparability in mind, making it possible to perform same-device repairs. In addition, those models can be accessed by removing either the front or back glass, becoming the first iPhone that can be opened through either side since the iPhone 4S. Apple did not widely publicize the design and engineering changes, but it had been speculated that the iPhone 14 might be easier to repair.
Previous models of the iPhone were much more difficult to repair since the back glass could not be removed. Some third-party repair outlets were able to replace the back glass by using a high-powered laser to heat the adhesive securing the panel. However, even after the adhesive was loosened, the only way to remove the glass was to forcibly pick the pieces of glass apart. All authorized service providers were not permitted to perform this intensive repair and instead replaced any device with a broken rear glass panel. Now, a new report says that this policy is finally changing with the iPhone 14 lineup.
Due to the design changes to the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, both Apple Stores and authorized service providers can now complete repairs on devices, per an internal memo obtained by MacRumors. Instead of receiving a replacement device — which was usually an Apple-certified refurbished version of the same product — repair technicians can perform repairs on the user’s original device. The change was made official last week, according to MacRumors. However, since the design change only applies to the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are not eligible for same-device repair.
Apple Increases Pricing For iPhone 14 Repairs
However, some iPhone repairs have become more expensive with the release of the iPhone 14 series. For example, battery service has increased from $69 to $99 for the iPhone 14 lineup, which is unfortunate for users who have retained their iPhones for years. A battery replacement has long been considered an easy and cheap way to give an old smartphone new life, and it’s now more expensive. Additionally, the cost to repair the back glass on an iPhone 14 Pro Max is now $379, up from $329 for last year’s iPhone 13 Pro Max.
The cost of an iPhone 14 display repair depends on a few factors — most importantly, whether the damage occurred to the front glass, back glass, or both. In nearly all cases, Apple Stores and authorized service providers will have to repair all damage at once, meaning users cannot choose just to replace the front or back glass. For example, an iPhone 14 with a broken front glass can be fixed for $279, but a broken back glass raises the cost to $399. For the iPhone 14 Plus, that’s $329 and $449, respectively. So although it is a good sign that the iPhone 14 can be repaired with Apple or an authorized service provider, the prices will still be a major deterrent to repair.
Source: MacRumors
