Hairline cracks on iPhones and Apple Watches have been reclassified as accidental damage, meaning they are no longer covered under the standard warranty. This is due to a change in Apple’s warranty policy from earlier this week.
This didn’t use to be the case, hairline cracks (ones that appear with no visible point of impact) were a free repair. They still are for iPads and Macs, but Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers have been notified that iPhones and Watches are no longer covered.
AppleCare+ does have accidental damage protection, so that $380 screen replacement (for an iPhone 15 Pro Max) will cost just $29. On the downside, you will be paying a $10/month subscription (also available as $200 for 2 years) or more if you get the theft and loss protection.
AppleCare+
Monthly
2 yrs
iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
$9.99
$199
iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14 Plus
$8.99
$179
iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13
$7.99
$149
iPhone SE (3rd generation)
$3.99
$79
AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss
Monthly
2 yrs
iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
$13.49
$269
iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14 Plus
$12.49
$249
iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13
$11.49
$219
iPhone SE (3rd generation)
$7.49
$149
It’s not clear what motivated the policy change or how long the iPads and Macs will keep the freebie repair option. If you’re not using one already, consider getting a screen protector for your iPhone.
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