Apple has changed its position on third-party iPhone screen repairs, saying such a repair no longer automatically voids the device’s App warranty. The change in policy was laid out in an internal memo distributed by Apple on Friday, and first noticed by MacRumors.
Previously, any iPhone with a third-party display installed was not eligible for authorized repairs under the Apple warranty. Now, when a customer with an iPhone containing a third-party screen presents it for repair, if the requested repair isn’t related to the display itself, the device will be inspected for fraud or tampering. Then the device will be either repaired or swapped out, based on Apple’s in-warranty pricing.
The iPhone in question must still be covered under warranty, be it the standard 1-year warranty, or the extended AppleCare coverage. If the device is out-of-warranty, or requires a display-related repair, customers will be offered the option to pay Apple’s flat rate out-of-warranty fees. If a customer declines to do so, then Apple Authorized Service Providers are instructed to decline service for the device.
If a third-party repair causes the repair to be unsuccessful, or breaks the device, customers will be required to pay the out-of-warranty cost to replace the third-party part, or the entire device if necessary.
Customers who wish to have their third-party screen replaced with a genuine Apple display will be quoted the typical out-of-warranty price for a new display. AppleCare+ will not cover third-party display or battery repairs.
Apple Authorized Service Providers are still required to decline service for any iPhone that has a failure related to a third-party aluminum enclosure, logic board, battery, Lightning connector, headphone jack, volume buttons, mute switch, sleep/wake button, and certain microphones.
MacRumors says they have confirmed that the adjusted policy applies to repairs in the United States and Canada, and other regions are likely included.
