Hairline cracks on iPhone and Apple Watch displays are now a paid repair
Hairline cracks on iPhones and Apple Watches have been reclassified as accidental damage, meaning they are no longer covered under the standard warranty. This is due to a change in Apple’s warranty policy from earlier this week.
This didn’t use to be the case, hairline cracks (ones that appear with no visible point of impact) were a free repair. They still are for iPads and Macs, but Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers have been notified that iPhones and Watches are no longer covered.
AppleCare+ does have accidental damage protection, so that $380 screen replacement (for an iPhone 15 Pro Max) will cost just $29. On the downside, you will be paying a $10/month subscription (also available as $200 for 2 years) or more if you get the theft and loss protection.
AppleCare+ | ||
---|---|---|
Monthly | 2 yrs | |
iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max | $9.99 | $199 |
iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14 Plus | $8.99 | $179 |
iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13 | $7.99 | $149 |
iPhone SE (3rd generation) | $3.99 | $79 |
AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss | ||
---|---|---|
Monthly | 2 yrs | |
iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max | $13.49 | $269 |
iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14 Plus | $12.49 | $249 |
iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13 | $11.49 | $219 |
iPhone SE (3rd generation) | $7.49 | $149 |
It’s not clear what motivated the policy change or how long the iPads and Macs will keep the freebie repair option. If you’re not using one already, consider getting a screen protector for your iPhone.
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Reader comments
- Minu
- 01 Jul 2024
- ter
I don't think that slimmer phones are prone to bending or cracking, considering that my Nokia 8 is thickest at 7.9mm on the camera glass and the overall thickness is between 6.8-7mm. The problem with Apple is their implementation with their...
- Anonymous
- 10 Jun 2024
- qsL
Since when were hairline cracks free repairs??? I sold phones for years and never ever heard about that from a single soul. "Shocking" how unknown this was.