iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus models are equipped with a removable back glass panel, allowing for easier repairs, say reports from TechCrunch and CNET making these models of the iPhone the first that can be easily opened from the back since the iPhone 4S.
On the iPhone 14’s ancestors, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, required Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers were required to open the device from the display side, remove the components, and install an “iPhone Rear System” part, which is basically an iPhone enclosure with all components except the display and rear camera. The repairs used customers’ original display and rear camera if those parts are not damaged too.
In the case of iPhone 11 and older handsets with a cracked back glass, techs would simply replace the entire device.
The iPhone 14 can still be opened from the display side, so screen repairs should be performed as usual. As noted by MacRumors, no reviews have mentioned that the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max have an easily removable back glass panel, indicating that the change is limited to the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus.
In the United States, Apple Stores will charge $169 and $199 to replace damaged back glass on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, respectively, for both parts and labor. Customers with AppleCare+ coverage for the iPhone will pay only $29 for both models.
