If you were looking for a reason to jump on board the iPhone Upgrade Program this year, Apple has quietly added a worthwhile update to the AppleCare+ service (which comes included in the program) that might push you over the edge.
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Starting this week, Apple is increasing the service fee for incidental repair costs for all iPhones to $99, but lowering the cost of screen repairs for AppleCare+ customers to just $29. Previously, Apple charged customers $79 for repairs to previous-generation phones and $99 for current-generation phones.
Now the flat fee for repairs is $99, but screen repairs specifically are much cheaper. Although we don’t have the statistics to back this up, we have to believe that screen repairs were the most common service provided by AppleCare+.
Here’s the full text regarding the new fees from Apple’s website:
Every iPhone comes with one year of hardware repair coverage through its limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary support. AppleCare+ for iPhone extends your coverage to two years from the original purchase date of your iPhone and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee of $29 for screen damage, or $99 for any other damage, plus applicable tax. In addition, you’ll get 24/7 priority access to Apple experts via chat or phone through getsupport.apple.com.
The AppleCare+ service remains unchanged, offering the same coverage for up to two incidents of accidental damage for a $129 fee. But at least now you can get your screen repaired for a far more reasonable price.