We’ve gotten word from multiple sources that Apple will begin repairing/replacing broken iPhone 5c displays in its retail stores next week. The current plan is to begin offering replacements on Monday, January 20th. As we noted in November of last year, this initiative has been in the works for several months as Apple needs to source individual screens for replacement and supply each of its stores within special calibration machines…
The on-site iPhone 5c display program is perhaps the most convenient way for Apple to offer iPhone screen repairs. If a user has a broken display, the store could fix the screen (typically within an hour) and not need to replace the entire phone. This means that a user can walk in with a broken phone and out with a fixed phone and not have to re-install all of their applications and data. Previously, iPhones with broken screens would need whole unit replacements.
For a broken display not covered under warranty, the replacement will likely cost $149. This is less than what an entirely new device would typically cost. Apple has begun conducting iPhone 5c screen replacements in a small number of stores in the United States over the past couple of months, but the January 20th rollout will represent a full-scale launch in all of Apple’s retail regions aside from Hong Kong and Canada.
While we reported in November that iPhone 5s in-store screen repairs are also coming soon, the 5s program won’t be seeing a full-scale rollout next week. 5s repairs are still in a small rollout stage. Apple has, however, been offering replacements for other parts for both devices for some time.
