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Apple Updates Support App With Repair Cost Estimates in Some Locations

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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
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]

Tag: Apple Support

Top Rated Comments

dannyyankou Avatar
dannyyankou
54 months ago
It'll be off-putting to some people, but the more transparency the better. Thankfully iPhones are so tough these days, it's been years since I've had to get one replaced.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
4jasontv Avatar
4jasontv
54 months ago

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.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Chet-NYC Avatar
Chet-NYC
54 months ago

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+.)
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
J
JCCL
54 months ago
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.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️ Avatar
TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️
54 months ago

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.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zorinlynx Avatar
zorinlynx
54 months ago
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.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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