With every new iPhone purchase, it’s important to weigh the cost of repairs against the value of Apple’s extended warranty. This year, Apple has raised repair costs for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
Here’s the complete cost breakdown for out-of-warranty repairs:
- iPhone 6 Plus: $329
- iPhone 6: $299
- iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5: $269
- iPhone 4s: $199
- iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, Original iPhone: $149
Apple includes one year of limited coverage with every iPhone purchase, but that doesn’t cover accidental damage. The prices above are for the United States and exclude an additional $6.95 shipping fee.
Apple charges the following to replace an out-of-warranty screen by itself:
- iPhone 6: $109
- iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5: $129
The catch is that if Apple determines the device has undergone additional damage beyond the screen, it will charge a full service fee. So if you accidentally drop your 6 Plus and crack the screen, Apple could charge you a max of $335.95 to ship it to them and have it fixed.
That’s cheaper than having to pay the full retail of the device, but it’s still going to hurt. For battery replacements, Apple will provide a free swap for defective batteries within its one-year window of standard coverage. Beyond that, a new battery costs $79 plus shipping across the board.
AppleCare+ is the $99 extended warranty you can buy with a new iPhone to cover two accidental damage incidents. Apple will only charge a $79 service fee each time, so in the case of the 6 Plus, you could potentially save $250.
Or you could just not drop your phone.
Source: Apple
Alex Heath is a journalist who works for Tech Insider. He’s the former co-host of The CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like “ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation.” He lives in Lexington, Kentucky. If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Follow him on Twitter.
12 responses to “Apple raises repair costs for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus”
Consider creating your own insurance fund on a savings account, instead of funding Apple or insurance companies.
A service fee on top of the $99 Apple Care?
Did i read that wrong?
It’s $99 + $79 for a replacement, whatever the damage is.
That’s compared to the $329/$299 price if you replace without AppleCare+
It’s more like a deductible. The $99 covers all other incidents, the $79 covers accidental damage.
Or you could just get insurance on your phone…
Yes, but the AT&T insurance has a high deductible as well.
And it is required for all replacements, damage or defect post first year.
Same with Square Trade.
Curious for the reason the iPhone 6 screen repair is cheaper than every other iPhone?
Yeah, I’m confused about that as well.
Maybe because Apple knows it is more prone to breaking given the new design. The screen doesn’t sit in as on previous models where the bevel was above it (screen).
Or, it could be part of an incentive to encourage more upgrades to the newer phones (iPhone 6’s).
Also, given that going forward, more of the iPhone 6 screens are likely to be produced. The lower repair cost could be reflecting the lower production cost associated with mass production (of the iPhone 6’s screens).
Your guess is as good as mind however.
hard to know but with the 5, 5C and 5S. when you get one of the latter replaced there is a new receiver, FaceTime camera, home button etc as well as the glass and display.
with the 6 and 6+ it might be that it’s only the glass or glass and display and all those other bits are separate
Or you make sure it’s covered under your household insurance for loss or damage