Kenneth Glad
Holding a sleek new flagship phone in your hand feels great until gravity takes over. That sudden slip off a counter or out of a pocket can instantly turn a shiny purchase into a costly mistake. If you happen to damage one of Apple’s newest high-end models, getting it fixed will take a serious bite out of your wallet.
Apple has officially published its latest repair rates for the newly released devices. The figures show that fixing a broken component often costs almost as much as buying a decent mid-range smartphone.
Buying these premium devices is already a huge financial commitment, but keeping them functional after a bad spill presents an entirely new set of expensive challenges for owners.
A cracked rear camera setup sets owners back $249, according to Mashable, while swap-outs for a faulty battery run $129. If you shatter the back glass, expect to pay $159 for a replacement panel.
Screen fixes depend directly on which size you carry. Standard model screen repairs sit at $329, rising to $379 if you own the larger version. Combining a cracked screen with broken back glass pushes the bill to $419 or $469.
Severe damage costs more
Things get much worse if the damage goes beyond basic screen cracks or dead batteries. Apple classifies complex or unique structural issues under a broad category labeled other damage.
For those severe cases, the company charges $849 for the standard pro model. The larger variant tops out at a massive $899.
Paying nearly nine hundred dollars for a single repair can feel like a punch in the gut, especially when that sum approaches the original retail price of a brand-new handset. In many instances, consumers might find themselves debating whether to fix their current phone or simply buy a replacement altogether.
Interestingly, these figures mirror the repair fees from last year’s release cycle almost completely. Mashable notes that because the physical builds share similar internal designs, parts and labor costs remain virtually identical across generations. The only noticeable increase is a minor $10 bump for battery service.
If you plan to pick up one of these new devices, handling it carefully is clearly key. Slipping the device into a sturdy protective case might just be the best investment you make all year.
Source: Mashable
