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Apple today updated its Apple Support app designed for the iPhone and iPad, introducing a new feature that provides price estimates for common repairs in select locations.

apple-support-app.jpg

When using the Support app after installing the update, you can tap on a device that you own in the "My Devices" list and then choose "Repairs & Physical Damage" to see a list of options.

Tapping on a common repair like a cracked screen, a cracked back, or battery service will provide an estimate of what the repair might cost alongside options to book a repair. There are no cost estimates for more complicated repairs like liquid damage or camera not working as expected.

In the "My Devices" section, Apple has also added a new text entry box when you tap on a device. The box lets you tell Apple what's happening with your device in your own words, making it easier to find the support option that you need.

The Apple Support app always had a similar option after selecting a specific repair option, but now you can type in what you're looking for ahead of time for a more streamlined experience. Apple's full release notes for the update are below:
- Tell us what's happening in your own words to get relevant support options
- See price estimates for common repair topics in select locations
- App now available and translated for users in Ukraine
- Performance enhancements and bug fixes
The Apple Support app can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Article Link: Apple Updates Support App With Repair Cost Estimates in Some Locations
 
Apple's full release notes for the update are below:
- Tell us what's happening in your own words to get relevant support options
- See price estimates for common repair topics in select locations
- App now available and translated for users in Ukraine
- Performance enhancements and bug fixes
Wait, there's one more thing:
-Receive an auto-generated, arrogant Genius response to a problem without visiting the Apple Store, including common replies "Erase it and do a full install", "The keyboard is supposed to do that", and "You're not using it right".
 
Holy crap, I was poking around on the app, and for my 11 Pro Max, fixing a cracked screen is $329. But fixing a damaged back is freaking $599!

How do these prices make sense at all? The back of the phone is a passive component, surely it can't cost more than the screen?

I mean really, if I crack the back of my phone, fixing it is so expensive that it makes more sense to just buy a new phone and upgrade at that point.
 
Holy crap, I was poking around on the app, and for my 11 Pro Max, fixing a cracked screen is $329. But fixing a damaged back is freaking $599!

How do these prices make sense at all? The back of the phone is a passive component, surely it can't cost more than the screen?

I mean really, if I crack the back of my phone, fixing it is so expensive that it makes more sense to just buy a new phone and upgrade at that point.
You might as well watch a YouTube video on how to fix the phone yourself since the parts will be a lot cheaper. I think it's the labor that's costly. Still not worth it. Better to get a new phone or upgrade.
 
For an iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple replaces the screen only if it is broken. However, if you want to repair the back, the whole phone is replaced for a refurb unit (which looks like brand new).

For iPhone 12 and 13 units, this is no longer the case as Apple replaces the back only. But that's why replacing the back is so expensive in an iPhone 11 and earlier models.
 
The repair cost estimate location isn’t showing for me, but this feature is significant, that way it gives the consumer the chance to determine if it’s worth repairing the phone or not based on the repair value/phone value, because the majority of people, probably don’t live near an Apple store. Also, it gives the consumer the idea to consider third-party repair if it’s cheaper -versus- Apples.

(Note: Some third-party repair stores cannot physically repair a broken iPhone, based off not having direct access to all OEM parts.)
 
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I guess if you don’t feel up to a DIY fix using YouTube (other sources available) or don’t have easy access to a repair shop you are sometimes perhaps better off buying second hand?

I say this as I managed to crack the glass on one of my Apple Watches at work once and the repair cost was just over £300… would have been cheaper to buy a refurbished one from Apple at the time ?.
 
Holy crap, I was poking around on the app, and for my 11 Pro Max, fixing a cracked screen is $329. But fixing a damaged back is freaking $599!

How do these prices make sense at all? The back of the phone is a passive component, surely it can't cost more than the screen?

I mean really, if I crack the back of my phone, fixing it is so expensive that it makes more sense to just buy a new phone and upgrade at that point.
That $599 cost is not for fixing the damaged back, it's for providing a new phone. The rear glass on the 11 and older models can't be repaired. On the 12 and 13 series, the rear glass can be repaired. Not sure of the actual cost, but with AppleCare+ it is $29- the same as the front display. (The older models it was $99 with AC+.)
 
That $599 cost is not for fixing the damaged back, it's for providing a new phone. The rear glass on the 11 and older models can't be repaired. On the 12 and 13 series, the rear glass can be repaired. Not sure of the actual cost, but with AppleCare+ it is $29- the same as the front display. (The older models it was $99 with AC+.)
This raises the question of why the consumer has to eat the cost of not designing a product that can be cheaply repaired. If you make a phone where the glass can't be replaced then charge for the glass and then write off cost of other components.
 
Hopefully, this takes into account that AASPs have different charges for Out-Of-Warranty.
It’s really annoying having to tell customers that Apple’s prices are not the same as ours. We don’t work for free.
 
That $599 cost is not for fixing the damaged back, it's for providing a new phone. The rear glass on the 11 and older models can't be repaired. On the 12 and 13 series, the rear glass can be repaired. Not sure of the actual cost, but with AppleCare+ it is $29- the same as the front display. (The older models it was $99 with AC+.)

According to the Apple repair cost figures, "other damage" (which would include damaged back) for iPhone 13, 12 and 11 Pro Max models are all $599 out-of-warranty. You are saying that for the 12 and 13 models, they fix/replace the back for $599 but for the 11 you get a completely "new" (refurb) unit?
 
You might as well watch a YouTube video on how to fix the phone yourself since the parts will be a lot cheaper. I think it's the labor that's costly. Still not worth it. Better to get a new phone or upgrade.
Dont forget those pesky "This screen/battery" is not genuine messages. Oh and careful with the Face ID as it will randomly stop working even if you do transfer the front facing cameras.
 
Holy crap, I was poking around on the app, and for my 11 Pro Max, fixing a cracked screen is $329. But fixing a damaged back is freaking $599!

How do these prices make sense at all? The back of the phone is a passive component, surely it can't cost more than the screen?

I mean really, if I crack the back of my phone, fixing it is so expensive that it makes more sense to just buy a new phone and upgrade at that point.
Agreed, especially when all Apple refurbs include a new back. Last summer I bought a refurb 256 GB 11 Pro Max for $929. There's no way it costs Apple $599 to fix or replace a back. That's a hefty retail markup.
 
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Agreed, especially when all Apple refurbs include a new back. Last summer I bought a refurb 256 GB 11 Pro Max for $929. There's no way it costs Apple $599 to fix or replace a back. That's a hefty retail markup.
Of course it doesn't cost apple $599. Their repair prices aren't set according to actual costs, or to keep people happy with their expensive purchase. They are set to make people think, "for that price I might as well get a new one," and then follow through on it.
 
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