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Apple Now Able to Repair an iPhone 12 Pro's Cracked Rear Glass Without Replacing the Entire Device

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Last month, MacRumors reported that Apple was introducing a new same-unit repair method for iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 models exhibiting certain issues that would typically require a whole-unit replacement. Now, we've learned that Apple has extended these same-unit repairs to the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

iphone 12 pro cracked glass

Image Credit: EverythingApplePro

Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers have access to a new "iPhone Rear System" part that is essentially an iPhone enclosure that includes all components except the display and rear camera. As of this week, this part is available for all four iPhone 12 models, according to an Apple memo obtained by MacRumors.

If a customer has an iPhone 12 Pro with cracked rear glass, for example, an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider is able to replace the entire rear portion of the device with the iPhone Rear System part, while retaining the customer's original display and rear camera. For this reason, the iPhone's display and rear camera must be free of damage or issues in order for the device to qualify for a same-unit repair.

iPhone 12 models may be eligible for a same-unit repair if they are unable to be powered on, or are experiencing issues with the logic board, Face ID system, or the enclosure of the device, such as cracked rear glass, according to Apple. The new repair method is said to be available in all countries and regions where iPhone 12 models are sold.

In its memo, Apple reiterated that this move supports the company's ongoing commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of every product it sells.

Tag: Apple Authorized Service Providers
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

JMStearnsX2 Avatar
JMStearnsX2
72 months ago
I would not call replacing the logic board "same unit repair", this sounds like it is just short of replacing everything anyway.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jaro65 Avatar
Jaro65
72 months ago
Good. No need to replace the entire device if the only damaged part is the rear glass cover.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
J
jk1221
72 months ago

Makes sense. You don’t get a new car if your muffler is broken.
Stil costs more than a muffler.

The price is still a ripoff. Especially when they get all of the parts back. A few dollars of new glass and some employee time and repaying equipment cost; I get the economics of cost.

Surely not $550-600 worth though (and why the regular 12 is only $450 is odd- glass is glass and they get the internals back . It doesn't cost less in work).

$199, $250, and $299 across the line would STILL be more than fair for both sides. It should be half the cost that it is realistically.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
EricNau Avatar
EricNau
72 months ago

No, you just need a new engine, transmission and suspension. Hood, wheels, and seats swap right over though.

This won’t do much to reduce any carbon footprint.
Exactly. I don’t think Apple deserves any praise for this. If anything, it shows an ongoing commitment against repairability.

The headlines feel misleading too. :confused:
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Wildkraut Avatar
Wildkraut
72 months ago
BMW Now Able to Repair an M8 Cracked Rear Glass Without Replacing the Entire Car
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B
Brian Y
72 months ago
About time. Shipping (and charging for) a whole new device is utterly ridiculous for something that can be easily repaired.

This has been going on far too long - especially with iPads. Back when I worked at the apple store I remember having to swap out and charge full-unit refurb prices for stupid stuff, like a blown speaker.

The horrible thing was I knew, deep down, that Apple would just take that unit back, swap out the speaker/casing, and send it back out as a refurb at full price, so instead of charging someone £10 for a speaker, they were basically buying a refurbished iPad.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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