
If you're in the market for a new Apple phone, you're probably wondering about the costs involved. Apple phone replacement costs can vary depending on the model and storage size, with prices starting at around $599 for the iPhone 12.
You can also consider repairing your current phone, which can be a cost-effective option. According to our article, Apple offers repair options for water damage and screen damage, with prices starting at around $99.
Apple's warranty program can also provide peace of mind and protection for your new phone. The standard one-year warranty covers manufacturing defects, but you can also purchase an extended warranty for added protection.
If you do decide to repair your phone, it's worth noting that Apple's repair process typically takes around 3-5 business days.
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Apple Phone Replacement Options
Apple offers its own insurance called AppleCare+ in the UK and US, which costs from £79/$79 for the iPhone SE to £199/$199 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max for two years of cover.
If you have this insurance, Apple will replace or fix an iPhone that has suffered accidental damage, but you only get two chances for a replacement.
You can take your inoperable phone to an Apple Store with a Genius Bar, and they can determine whether your current one can be fixed or if you need to get a replacement.
In most cases, you should have no problems getting a replacement, as long as you didn’t try to open up the phone and fix it yourself.
Apple will replace phones with defects for free for one year after buying them, and you’re automatically enrolled in Apple’s 1-year AppleCare warranty when you buy an iPhone.
If your iPhone has hardware issues or manufacturing defects, visit an Apple Store with proof of purchase, and the employees will repair your phone if possible, or they’ll give you a replacement.
Here are some scenarios where Apple may replace your iPhone for free:
- If your iPhone has hardware issues or manufacturing defects
- If you have AppleCare+ and your iPhone has suffered accidental damage
- If you have a valid warranty and your iPhone has been damaged in a dramatic way, such as being smashed in a trip or submerged in water
Cost and Repair
If you're wondering how much it'll cost to get your iPhone fixed, the answer varies depending on the extent of the damage and your warranty status. Apple will charge you the retail price or an out-of-warranty fee, which you can estimate using their Get an Estimate pricing tool.
You can also purchase AppleCare+, which costs between £79 and £199 depending on your iPhone model, and provides up to two years of additional hardware coverage and accidental damage protection. With AppleCare+, you can get your iPhone replaced or repaired up to twice in each of the two years, with excess fees applying for screen damage and other damage.
Even without insurance, there's still a chance that Apple will replace or repair your iPhone for free if it's part of a recall or a common issue covered by a free repair or replacement programme.
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What Does Include?
If you're looking to repair or replace your iPhone, you'll want to know what's included in Apple's repair and replacement options. AppleCare+ provides expert technical support, up to two years of additional hardware coverage, and up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage in each of the two years.
The cost of AppleCare+ varies depending on your iPhone model, ranging from £79/$79 for the iPhone SE to £199/$199 for the iPhone 12 Pro or Max. This coverage includes express replacement service, allowing you to get a replacement iPhone quickly.
You're automatically enrolled in Apple's 1-year AppleCare warranty when you buy an iPhone, which covers hardware issues or manufacturing defects for one year after purchase. If your iPhone has a defect, you can visit an Apple Store with proof of purchase to get it repaired or replaced.
Here's a breakdown of what's included in AppleCare+:
- Expert technical support
- Up to two years of additional hardware coverage
- Up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage in each of the two years
- Express replacement service
- Additional hardware coverage for the battery (battery depletion of 50% or more from original specification) and the included USB cable and power adapter
Phone Repair Cost
The cost of repairing your iPhone can be a significant concern. If you're not covered by the Apple Limited Warranty, AppleCare, or consumer law, you'll be charged either the retail price or an out-of-warranty fee, depending on the extent of the damage.
You can look up your estimated fee with the Get an Estimate pricing tool to get a better idea of what you'll be charged. The cost of repairs will depend on the extent of the damage.
AppleCare+ is an insurance option that covers accidental damage, but it comes with an excess fee of £25/$29 for screen damage and £79/$99 for other damage. You only get two chances for a replacement, and the cost of the insurance ranges from £79/$79 to £199/$199 for two years of cover.
If you're not covered by AppleCare+, there's still a chance that the problem you're encountering is commonplace, and Apple may have a free repair or replacement programme. Take a look at their Apple replacement programmes article to see if your issue is covered.
Even without insurance or warranty coverage, Apple may still replace or repair your iPhone, but it's not guaranteed.
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Device Damage and Repair
If you've damaged your iPhone, Apple may offer a repair or replacement, depending on the extent of the damage and whether your device is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+. AppleCare+ costs from £79/$79 for the iPhone SE to £199/$199 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max for two years of cover, and will replace or fix an iPhone that has suffered accidental damage.
If your iPhone is out of warranty, Apple may still offer a replacement, but you'll need to pay for it. The cost of a repair can be significant, with screen repair starting at £136.44/$129 for an iPhone 6 and rising to £316.44/$329 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Apple won't replace your screen for scratches, so it's a good idea to consider using a screen protector when you get a new iPhone.
You can also try visiting an Apple Authorized Service Provider, who will assess the damage and provide a quote for the repair. Keep in mind that if someone other than Apple has repaired your iPhone, it may void your warranty.
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Replace or Repair Your Phone?
Replacing your iPhone can be a costly affair, especially if you're outside of warranty. AppleCare+ can be a lifesaver, costing from £79/$79 for two years of cover, but you'll only get two replacements and may have to pay an excess fee.
If your iPhone is in warranty, you're in luck – service is available at no charge for twelve months from the date of purchase. But if it's out of warranty, you may still be able to get a replacement for a knocked-down price through Apple's out-of-warranty service.
Liquid damage can sometimes be covered under Apple's out-of-warranty service, but catastrophic damage like a device separating into multiple pieces won't be eligible. If you're outside of warranty and your iPhone is not fit for purpose, you may be able to use the Sales of Goods Act to get a replacement.
Apple has a system in place to arrange the repair of your phone, but it will cost you – £25/$29 for a screen replacement with AppleCare+, or up to £316.44/$329 for an iPhone 12 Pro Max out of warranty. You may be able to find a cheaper third-party repair, but be aware that it could void your warranty.
To get your iPhone fixed or replaced, visit Apple Support online and select the product and problem from the list. From there, you can click to Bring in for Repair and start the process.
Device Damage Guides
If you've damaged your iPhone, you'll want to know what to do next.
Whether Apple will replace your iPhone depends on what caused the fault, so it's worth checking out the most common broken iPhone scenarios.
You can trade in a broken iPhone towards the cost of a replacement, although the discount you'll get off the replacement depends on the degree of damage.
If you have an iPhone that's still under the factory warranty or you've got the AppleCare extended warranty plan, you can take it to an Apple Store with a Genius Bar to get a replacement.
In most cases, you should have no problems getting a replacement, as long as you didn't try to open up the phone and fix it yourself or void the warranty.
If you're trying to figure out whether Apple is going to hand over a new phone to you for free or if you'll have to pay for the replacement, mitigating circumstances will come into play.
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You can get store credit for it at some Walmart or Best Buy locations, or you can go through a buyback program like BuyBack Boss.
If you have the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices, you can use Apple's Self Service Repair program to access genuine Apple parts, tools, and repair manuals to perform your own out-of-warranty repair.
However, unless required by law, repairs made by Independent Repair Providers are not backed by Apple.
To get your iPhone fixed or replaced, you'll need to visit Apple Support online, select the product you have a problem with, and then select the problem from a list before clicking to Bring in for Repair.
Repairing a cracked iPhone screen is the number-one reason why people take their phone to the Apple Store to plead for a replacement, and it will cost you, unless you have AppleCare+.
If your iPhone is within warranty and eligible for repairs, service is available at no charge for twelve months from the date of purchase.
If you're under warranty, Apple should replace your broken iPhone, but it's unlikely they would give you a newer model, and your replacement phone may not be new – it's likely to be refurbished.
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Repair Services and Providers
You can get a repair from a third party, but be aware that Apple might not recognize the repair if you have a screen replaced or a battery replaced by a third-party service provider.
Apple has a list of trusted third-party resellers on its official website, which you can access by clicking on the "Find an Apple Authorized Service Provider" section.
If you've repaired your iPhone yourself, Apple may refuse to replace it, even if it's out of warranty. But it's worth asking, just in case.
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Third Party Repair
You have several options for getting your iPhone repaired outside of Apple's official channels. Apple officially allows you to book a repair slot at third-party approved resellers, but be aware that using a third-party repair service may affect your iPhone's functionality.
Apple's official website offers location-based suggestions of third-party resellers who are Apple Authorized Service Providers. These providers have access to genuine Apple parts and repair resources.
If you choose to go with a third-party repair service, be aware that Apple might refuse to replace your iPhone if you've already had repairs done by someone else. But it's worth asking, and you might be surprised by the response.
Independent Repair Providers are another option, offering their own repair warranty and access to genuine Apple parts. They don't provide repairs covered by Apple's warranty or AppleCare plans, but they can still get the job done.
Can I Trade a Broken Device for a New One?
You can trade in a broken iPhone towards the cost of a replacement, but the discount you'll get off the replacement depends on the degree of damage.
Apple will accept damaged iPhones in part-exchange when selling new ones, but it's not clear how damaged the iPhones can be and still qualify for the programme.
If you've suffered truly catastrophic damage, you may not get much money off your next purchase, but trading in a broken iPhone can be a great way to salvage something from the situation.
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You can trade in a broken iPhone that has a damaged display, camera, or button within reason, but the trade-in value will likely be lower if the damage is extensive.
Trading in a broken iPhone can be a great option if you're desperate and don't have warranty or insurance coverage, but it's essential to check the trade-in value before making a decision.
If you're under warranty, you may not be able to trade in a broken iPhone, but you can still get a replacement iPhone through your carrier or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
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How to Get Phone Replaced
You can get your iPhone replaced through Apple's free repair programs, but only if you have a specific issue with a particular product or model that's been announced by Apple as a recall or free repair/replacement program. You can check if your iPhone is eligible by reading Apple's latest product recalls and repair programs.
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If your iPhone is within warranty and eligible for repairs, you can get service at no charge for twelve months from the date of purchase. Apple will repair or replace your iPhone for free if it has hardware issues or manufacturing defects within the first year of buying it.
You can also get a replacement iPhone through your carrier, especially if you got your current iPhone as part of a long-term contract. Reach out to your carrier and see what they have to say, as they may be willing to give you a newer iPhone version at a discounted price or even for free to keep you as a customer.
If your iPhone is damaged and still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, you can take it to an Apple Store with a Genius Bar and they'll determine whether you need a replacement or a repair. In most cases, you'll be able to get a replacement, but you'll need to have mitigating circumstances, such as the phone being stolen or damaged in a dramatic way.
Here are the steps to follow if you have AppleCare+:
1. Service broken or damaged iPhones to get repaired or replaced.
2. Use the Express Replacement Service while your iPhone gets repaired.
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3. File a claim if your phone got lost or stolen.
If your iPhone is out of warranty, Apple may still offer a replacement, but you'll need to pay a discounted price. However, you may be able to use consumer laws to get a replacement or a refund, especially if your iPhone is not "fit for purpose" but you still have a year left on your contract.
Warranty and Guarantee
If your iPhone is covered by Apple's warranty, you're in luck - you can get it repaired or replaced for free. Apple's warranty covers manufacturing defects for one year from the date of purchase, and it's in addition to your rights provided by consumer law.
You can check your coverage status online, and read the Apple Limited Warranty and Apple Repair Terms and Conditions to understand what's covered. Apple-branded accessories, including adapters, spare cables, and wireless chargers, are also covered by the warranty.
Apple's warranty is valid for one year from the date of purchase, and it's not just limited to hardware issues - it also covers defects in materials and workmanship. If your iPhone is no longer under warranty, you may still be able to get a replacement or repair, but it will likely come with a fee.
Here are some key things to keep in mind about Apple's warranty:
- Warranty period: 1 year from the date of purchase
- Covered items: Apple-branded iPhone, iPad, or iPod hardware product and accessories
- Exclusions: Damage caused by unauthorized modifications, liquid contact, or catastrophic damage
- Additional coverage: AppleCare+ offers extended warranty and accidental damage coverage for an additional fee
It's worth noting that Apple's warranty is separate from your carrier's warranty or insurance, so be sure to check your coverage with your carrier as well.
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Out-of-Warranty Devices
If you've dropped your iPhone and it's no longer under warranty, Apple may still be able to offer you a replacement at a discounted price.
Apple offers a service for out-of-warranty iPhones, which means you may be able to get a replacement for a knocked-down price.
However, if your iPhone has suffered catastrophic damage, such as separating into multiple pieces, Apple won't help you.
On the other hand, if your iPhone has failed due to contact with liquid, it may be eligible for out-of-warranty service.
You can also try quoting the Sales of Goods Act at your network if your iPhone is not "fit for purpose" but you still have a year left on your contract.
Apple has announced that it will start to accept damaged iPhones in part-exchange when selling new ones, including units with damaged displays, cameras, and buttons within reason.
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