Apple Says Some iPhone 12 Hardware Issues Will No Longer Require Replacing the Entire Device

[MacRumors]

Apple today informed Apple Authorized Service Providers that it will be introducing a new same-unit repair method for iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 models exhibiting certain issues that would typically require a whole-unit replacement.

In an internal memo, obtained by MacRumors, Apple said technicians will be able to offer same-unit repairs starting February 23 for iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 models that are unable to be powered on or are experiencing issues with the logic board, Face ID system, or the enclosure of the device, such as cracked rear glass.

Apple Authorized Service Providers (and likely Genius Bars) will have a new "iPhone Rear System" part available to them that consists of the rear enclosure of an iPhone with all components except the display and rear camera, including the battery, logic board, wireless charging coil, Taptic Engine, Face ID system, and so forth.

If a customer has an iPhone 12 mini with cracked rear glass, for example, technicians will be able to replace the entire rear portion of the device, with the new enclosure affixed to the original display and rear camera. For this reason, the customer's display and rear camera must be free of damage or functional failures in order for their device to qualify for this same-unit repair method, according to Apple.

The new repair method will be available in all countries and regions where the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 are sold, according to Apple. iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max models do not appear to be eligible at this time.

In its memo, Apple said this move supports the company's ongoing commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of every product it sells.

Article Link: Apple Says Some iPhone 12 Hardware Issues Will No Longer Require Replacing the Entire Device

 

[farewelwilliams]

Apple Says Some iPhone 12 Hardware Issues Will No Longer Require Losing Big Margins on Device.

fixed the title.

 

[adamdport]

except the display and rear camera

I dropped my 12 mini ONCE a week after I got it and it cracked the wide angle lens. $429 after tax. Credit card insurance covered it but this is not the "4x more durable" I signed up for. ...screen was fine though

 

[Ronal]

Is there even a need to get apple care + now knowing it’s not even going to replace the entire phone ? Lol

 

[mikeyy00]

Apple is seemingly going the repair-all-the-things route vs outright swaps like they used to do.

I had a two day old 12mini, kept rebooting on it's own and not-detecting the sim card. Brought into the local Apple Store, was told "oh sorry, we have to send it to depot".

Eff that, it's two days old. I want a swap. Nope, told to pound sand.

If I wanted depot repair service, I'd buy a Samsung.

 

[mikeyy00]

Is there even a need to get apple care + now knowing it’s not even going to replace the entire phone ? Lol

Sure, just make sure you crack the entire phone now, not just one side.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I dropped my 12 mini ONCE a week after I got it and it cracked the wide angle lens. $429 after tax. Credit card insurance covered it but this is not the "4x more durable" I signed up for. ...screen was fine though

Apple has never advertised the screen as crack proof. I don't know why you would think otherwise.

 

[ghanwani]

Apple is seemingly going the repair-all-the-things route vs outright swaps like they used to do.

I had a two day old 12mini, kept rebooting on it's own and not-detecting the sim card. Brought into the local Apple Store, was told "oh sorry, we have to send it to depot".

Eff that, it's two days old. I want a swap. Nope, told to pound sand.

If I wanted depot repair service, I'd buy a Samsung.

Could you not return it?

 

[mikeyy00]

Could you not return it?

No, carrier didn't have stock for 3 weeks. Ended up getting on the phone to Apple, who agreed to mail me a replacement, provided I fronted the cost on a credit card which they'd refund once they received my old one back.

Yes, better than a kick in the arse.. but not the type of support I've historically gotten from Apple.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I think this is a good move by Apple. It means the customer will get same day service, versus having to send the phone to the depot. The home depot is the better choice.

 

[vmistery]

So if they’re replacing all that presumably it’s going to need restoring from an iTunes backup etc? Sounds like practically a new phone!

 

[ghanwani]

I dropped my 12 mini ONCE a week after I got it and it cracked the wide angle lens. $429 after tax. Credit card insurance covered it but this is not the "4x more durable" I signed up for. ...screen was fine though

That's a cool benefit. I would be interested in knowing which credit card if there is no annual fee.

 

[Apple_Robert]

No, carrier didn't have stock for 3 weeks. Ended up getting on the phone to Apple, who agreed to mail me a replacement, provided I fronted the cost on a credit card which they'd refund once they received my old one back.

Yes, better than a kick in the arse.. but not the type of support I've historically gotten from Apple.

Apple isn't to blame in that situation. You bought from the carrier. Your beef was with them. Apple made it right, though.

 

[UNMENINU]

Perfect timing. Hopefully this includes camera lenses so I don't have to pay $700 to replace my entire 12 Pro Max that I barely had for 3 months.

 

[Joe Rossignol]

I think this is a good move by Apple. It means the customer will get same day service, versus having to send the phone to the depot. The home depot is the better choice.

I prefer Lowe's… okay, bad joke.

 

[LFC2020]

I had a two day old 12mini, kept rebooting on it's own and not-detecting the sim card. Brought into the local Apple Store, was told "oh sorry, we have to send it to depot".

Did you have Apple Care plus?

 

[ThrowerGB]

Perfect timing. Hopefully this includes camera lenses so I don't have to pay $700 to replace my entire 12 Pro Max that I barely had for 3 months.

The article says "iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max models do not appear to be eligible at this time" But it's worth checking.

 

[zakarhino]

Just a distraction from the fact that they still don't have an extensive repair & parts program for independent repair shops.

 

[jairjm]

Dejé caer mi 12 mini UNA VEZ una semana después de que lo recibí y rompió la lente gran angular. $ 429 después de impuestos. El seguro de la tarjeta de crédito lo cubrió, pero este no es el "4 veces más duradero" al que me inscribí. ... aunque la pantalla estaba bien

Ceramic shield its only in the front, back are gorilla glass and cameras the same as the other years

 

[repoman016]

Just a distraction from the fact that they still don't have an extensive repair & parts program for independent repair shops.

no no no. dont you see, they have a certified repair program!! that keeps those pesky government officials full enough to stay off their backs about how much of a scam it is

 

[contacos]

Tell that to the MacBook that needs a whole Hollywood plastic surgery make over just to replace the battery 😅

 

[szw-mapple fan]

Apple is seemingly going the repair-all-the-things route vs outright swaps like they used to do.

I had a two day old 12mini, kept rebooting on it's own and not-detecting the sim card. Brought into the local Apple Store, was told "oh sorry, we have to send it to depot".

Eff that, it's two days old. I want a swap. Nope, told to pound sand.

If I wanted depot repair service, I'd buy a Samsung.

If it’s actually that new, why not just return it and purchase a new unit? Regardless of where you purchased it, there should be a return window for phones.

 

[Chips Stephens]

Wow repair instead of throw away...
And have spare parts.

what an idea!!!!

said no one ever....

 

[Psychicbob]

I’m never buying from a carrier again. Did that with the 11 Pro and had an issue with dropped calls almost immediately. Spent the next 6 months having Apple blame carrier and carrier blame Apple. 3rd unit in, it turned out to be carrier. Not going to run the risk of being ping-ponged between 2 companies again.

 

[FHoff]

I dropped my 12 mini ONCE a week after I got it and it cracked the wide angle lens. $429 after tax. Credit card insurance covered it but this is not the "4x more durable" I signed up for. ...screen was fine though

Screen was fine because that’s the 4x more durable glass the rear is not Ceramic Shield.