If you are deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and have been religiously snapping up iOS devices upon their release, then you probably know that, as a rule, you must only get a problematic device repaired by Apple technicians. Otherwise, you can say goodbye to your warranty because it will void coverage.
Apple Warranty Coverage
The good news is that the policy seems to have shifted after Apple declared that repairs done by non-Apple technicians will still qualify for warranty. Naturally, this is the case if the device is still covered by the warranty period, which includes both the standard one-year warranty and the extended Apple Care warranty.
The new policy will not void repairs done on the iPhone screen with one condition: the repair must not inflict any damage to the casing or other components.
The announcement purportedly came by way of a memo circulated around Apple stores. Mac Rumors obtained a copy and its report underscored that its authenticity has been confirmed by multiple unimpeachable sources.
Conditions Still Apply
The missive instructed store employees who encounter devices repaired by third-party technicians to inspect the device for any sign of tampering. If there is no damaged component, then the store will replace any broken or damaged part and calculate pricing based on the terms of warranty coverage if appropriate.
Users should take a careful note of the "damage" variable. According to Apple Insider, even a slight damage caused by repairs will void the warranty and that the problems that emerge as offshoots of third-party technicians will incur extra fees.
Owners of iPhones that are no longer covered by Apple warranty as well as those devices that have been damaged by third-party tampering will have to pay the flat out-of-warranty price. Employees are told to decline service if customers refuse to pay the amount.
Declining Apple Service
The internal memo also purportedly reiterated that employees must decline devices that suffer functional failure that has been triggered by the addition of third-party components such as the casing, logic board, battery, buttons, audio jack, and even the Lightning connector.
It is not yet clear what prompted Cupertino's policy change. iPhone users, however, have long complained about the cost of repair in Apple stores. Third-party technicians offer significantly cheaper services and components especially for the iPhone's display. The component is considered one of the most expensive modules and also the most vulnerable to damage due to drops and daily abuse.
Mac Rumors said that the new policy covers both the United States and Canada, although the report expects its expansion to other regions as well.
