Earlier this week, Apple reclassified hairline cracks on iPhones and Apple Watches as accidental damage, meaning they are no longer covered by standard warranties. This change marks a departure from Apple’s previous policy, which allowed repairs for these types of cracks for free, as long as there were no obvious impact points.
Changes to policies and insurance details
Under the new policy, hairline cracks on iPhones and Apple Watches are considered accidental damage and are not eligible for free repairs under the standard warranty. However, this change does not affect iPads and Macs, which continue to receive free repairs for hairline cracks. Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers have been notified of this update and will enforce the new guidelines.
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AppleCare+ and cost implications
For users looking for protection from accidental damage, AppleCare+ remains a viable option. AppleCare+ provides accidental damage coverage, significantly reducing repair costs. For example, an iPhone 15 Pro Max screen replacement, which normally costs $380, drops to $29 under AppleCare+. However, AppleCare+ requires a subscription fee of $10 per month or $200 for two years. Additional plans that include theft and loss protection are also available for a higher fee.
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Here are the costs for AppleCare+:
– iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max: $9.99/month or $199 for 2 years
– iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14 Plus: $8.99/month or $179 for 2 years
– iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13: $7.99/month or $149 for 2 years
– iPhone SE (3rd generation): 3.99 USD/month or 79 USD for 2 years
For AppleCare+ theft and loss:
– iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max: $13.49/month or $269 for 2 years
– iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14 Plus: 12.49 USD/month or 249 USD for 2 years
– iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13: 11.49 USD/month or 219 USD for 2 years
– iPhone SE (3rd generation): 7.49 USD/month or 149 USD for 2 years
The motivation behind Apple’s recent policy change remains unclear, and it’s unclear how long iPads and Macs will continue to receive free repairs for hairline cracks. Users should consider using a screen protector to protect their device.
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