Leaked document shows how Apple decides to repair or replace your iPhone
If your iPhone has water damage, we're afraid you'll have to pay
A repaired Apple iPhone is seen inside the proprietary Horizon machine fixture as it undergoes a repair procedure at Apples display repair laboratory in Sunnyvale, California, US, May 19, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS
Ever wondered what criteria Apple follows when you walk into an Apple store and hand over your damaged iPhone for repair or replacement. Well, we may finally have an answer to that.
In a leaked document retrieved by Business Insider, Apple has noted down the fixed formula it follows to decide whether to repair or replace your device.
Apple's warranty for most products generally covers eligible repairs for a year after purchase.
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But the term eligible is often perceived as gray area for customers. For technicians, however, the definition is more clear as damages specifically not covered by the warranty include anything from "accident, disassembly, unauthorised service, and unauthorised modifications."
The 22-page document shows how Apple instructs its technicians to inspect iPhones for repair and determine whether they are eligible for an in-warranty repair (inexpensive), an out-of-warranty repair (more expensive option) or if Apple has to dispatch a new phone entirely.
"We have one (guide) just like that for all of the products," an Apple retail technician told Business Insider. "Used more for the physical inspection and how to determine cost for damage. That's basically half the training for iPhone techs."
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It doesn't come as a surprise that liquid damage and cosmetic damage isn't covered under warranty.
One thing is worth noting that even the most basic of cracks are covered under warranty, which appears to be a change since 2014.
Although the document gives us a rough idea of what to expect when your iPhone is damaged, the best thing would be to use it safely and avoid the inconvenience in the first place.
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments section below.
In a leaked document retrieved by Business Insider, Apple has noted down the fixed formula it follows to decide whether to repair or replace your device.
Apple's warranty for most products generally covers eligible repairs for a year after purchase.
Apple launches official Instagram account to show off iPhone photography
But the term eligible is often perceived as gray area for customers. For technicians, however, the definition is more clear as damages specifically not covered by the warranty include anything from "accident, disassembly, unauthorised service, and unauthorised modifications."
The 22-page document shows how Apple instructs its technicians to inspect iPhones for repair and determine whether they are eligible for an in-warranty repair (inexpensive), an out-of-warranty repair (more expensive option) or if Apple has to dispatch a new phone entirely.
"We have one (guide) just like that for all of the products," an Apple retail technician told Business Insider. "Used more for the physical inspection and how to determine cost for damage. That's basically half the training for iPhone techs."
Leaked image shows what iPhone 8 will look like
It doesn't come as a surprise that liquid damage and cosmetic damage isn't covered under warranty.
One thing is worth noting that even the most basic of cracks are covered under warranty, which appears to be a change since 2014.
Although the document gives us a rough idea of what to expect when your iPhone is damaged, the best thing would be to use it safely and avoid the inconvenience in the first place.
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments section below.