Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

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

Apple totally missed the point. It is not about replacing the whole device just because your backcover cracks - it is because Apple charges you $599 to replace it. Remember that the piece of class that cracked is about $5.

This is just bad design and absolutely not environmental friendly. Apple should improve their design or choose a different material for the back cover. If the new replacement is about $99 it is ok - but if new new replacement is about $299 or above - this is just ridiculous.

Last week the European parliament voted for a new law saying that the battery of every electronic device must be replaceable by the user. This would force Apple to finally improve their design - maybe even the AirPod design.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bluecoast
great news, it did hurt spending £550 on a replacement because I cracked the back on iPhone X
 
This is really great news. Now people can stop going to the Genius Bar and demanding a new iPhone..when it can just be repaired!

Glorious.
 
Craptastic said:
This is really great news. Now people can stop going to the Genius Bar and demanding a new iPhone..when it can just be repaired!

Glorious.
Click to expand...
It won't stop most. When I worked there years ago they introduced part repairs for the 5 and 5s. The number of people that would not accept getting a part repaired and wanted a "new" phone was crazy. Would always make up some BS that something else is broken and demand a swap.

Even though we weren't supposed to, Id straight up ask them if they would prefer a remanufactured (refurbished) phone instead of just a new part in their phone. Would soon shut them up and I could get on with booking it in.
 
scotio200 said:
It won't stop most. When I worked there years ago they introduced part repairs for the 5 and 5s. The number of people that would not accept getting a part repaired and wanted a "new" phone was crazy. Would always make up some BS that something else is broken and demand a swap.

Even though we weren't supposed to, Id straight up ask them if they would prefer a remanufactured (refurbished) phone instead of just a new part in their phone. Would soon shut them up and I could get on with booking it in.
Click to expand...
While it may not stop most from asking, it will be easier to “reset expectations”

;)
 
Is it that these devices are so intrinsically difficult to repair that is causing the repairability problem?

Or is it the industrial design being overemphasised - the 'thinness' of the devices - that's the issue?

I.e. where the exterior of the devices is all important, leading to the components having to be packed in and glued together etc. (to fit in such a small space), which then leads to the phone back unit / front unit / or the entire phone needing to be replaced when being repaired.

No doubt it's a little bit of both.

However:

Given that we know that designs are planned 2-3 years in advance, it's going to be interesting to see how Apple pivots as Ive's influence on Apple's ID ends.

I suspect we've seen a little bit of that with the iPhone 11 Pro series being thicker than before to improve battery capacity/life.

I contend that we're going to end up with way more durable and easy to repair phones with 2022's iPhone range.

And I suspect that we may see a very different approach with the new Mac designs and the Apple Watch, also than we've seen for a long time with Apple.
 
scotio200 said:
you mean "Getting to Yes"
Click to expand...
No.

you reset expectations and remind them how the process works. You also remind them they are adhering to the guidelines set forth when purchasing an Apple product.

Just because they are customers doesn’t always make them right.
 
And let me guess, this "same unit repair" of a 2-year old device will still cost more than a new boxed device from new-old stock market with warranty.

At least, before you got a brand new phone for the crazy price they charged.
 
todesto said:
Is Apple going to have different pricing option for these repair? They should, right?
Click to expand...
Nope, rear system repairs will cost the same as a whole unit replacement.

Out of warranty 599+ tax for a 12Pro Max rear system, same as a whole unit, etc etc for all iPhone 12 models.
 
Craptastic said:
Nope, rear system repairs will cost the same as a whole unit replacement.

Out of warranty 599+ tax for a 12Pro Max rear system, same as a whole unit, etc etc for all iPhone 12 models.
Click to expand...

If that’s the case, that’s beyond absurd. If they’re not doing the same thing for the repair and providing a full replacement device, the price should be much less.
 
PaladinGuy said:
If that’s the case, that’s beyond absurd. If they’re not doing the same thing for the repair and providing a full replacement device, the price should be much less.
Click to expand...
It is much less already.

A 128gb 12PM is 1100 dollars. Out of warranty cost is 599. So you’re paying close to 50% less of what it would cost you new anyway. Apple is allowing you to replace the phone for half the cost of a new one.

Rear system repairs are brand new devices without a display and rear camera. That’s it. I’d say you’re still making out pretty well at 50%.
 
Craptastic said:
It is much less already.

A 128gb 12PM is 1100 dollars. Out of warranty cost is 599. So you’re paying close to 50% less of what it would cost you new anyway. Apple is allowing you to replace the phone for half the cost of a new one.

Rear system repairs are brand new devices without a display and rear camera. That’s it. I’d say you’re still making out pretty well at 50%.
Click to expand...

Perhaps when you look at it that way. I just don’t think they should be designing them where the back glass is so hard to repair. The iPhone 4/4S was very easy to repair for back glass damage.

It’s bad for the customer and bad for the environment.

As others have said, I massively wish they’d at least used the Ceramic Shield on the back rather than the front or on both sides.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back