iPhone 13 sales have begun and millions of orders are being placed, but Apple fans also need to know about a stunning late change Apple has made to iPhone 13 pricing.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
Apple
In a surprise move, Apple has confirmed that back glass on the iPhone 13 range is now priced at the same cost as repairing an iPhone display and the decision is going to save buyers hundreds of dollars. Moreover, owners of iPhone 12 models will also reap the benefit.
Apple breaks down the changes on its official iPhone Repair and Service page. The company explains that for AppleCare+ subscribers, both display and back glass damage on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 ranges will now only cost $29 to repair. Previously, back glass was classified as “Other damage” with truly eye-watering prices for anyone who didn’t sign up to the service:
- iPhone 13 Pro Max – $599
- iPhone 13 Pro – $549
- iPhone 13 – $449
- iPhone 13 mini – $399
Be warned, AppleCare+ is not cheap. You’ll pay from $149 (or $7.99pm) for basic iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini protection and $219 (or $11.49pm) for added theft and support. This jumps to $199 (or $9.99pm) for the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max and $269 ($13.49pm) for added theft and support. Yes, it’s a lot but it’s a borderline essential upsell for all iPhone 13 buyers now.
Apple iPhone 12 models also receive the same new cost savings
Apple
That said, there’s a more concerning aspect to this news as well. iPhone 13 leaks suggested Apple was looking for a more efficient way to replace back glass on the news phones to bring down costs. AppleCare+ pricing suggested Apple had found it, but the combination of near-identical hardware and the company’s retroactive inclusion of last year’s models makes me question this. Moreover, it’s a valid question to ask why iPhone 12 owners faced such high charges until now.
Whether you choose to see this news as Apple making improvements for their customers or historic exploitation, will depend on your attitude to the company in general. Meanwhile, Apple has not offered the upgraded AppleCare+ service to older iPhones — including the iPhone 11 range and iPhone X — which, no doubt, signals the company’s desire for these customers to buy an iPhone 13.
That said, if you or anyone you know, owns an iPhone 12 or plans to buy an iPhone 13 they need to be aware of these substantial service changes. Ultimately, it’s a hugely welcome upgrade which may help convince iPhone fans to part with their money. That is unless they have seen the first iPhone 14 images.
___
Follow Gordon on Facebook
More On Forbes
