Fixing your iPhone screen could be cheaper than ever as Apple finally lets local shops do ‘proper’ repairs
APPLE will now let you get "official" repairs done at local stores – rather than forcing you to go to an Apple Store.
It means getting your iPhone screen fixed could be cheaper than ever.
That's because local shops can charge their own prices, and can even undercut Apple.
But all of the repairs are backed by Apple training, as part of the Independent Repair Provider Program.
This service has been available in the US for a while, but has finally made its way to Europe.
Apple trains the repair shops, and provides genuine Apple parts so you don't end up with a dodgy screen or case.
And it doesn't even need to be a shop: you could get a repair from a sole trader who's been through the training.
Repair stores will be able to access Apple's own tools, repair manuals and diagnostics.
And they can sign up and train completely for free.
It means you probably won't need to drag yourself to a major town for an Apple repair any more.
There's also a good chance this will give local businesses a boost.
iPhone screen sizes revealed
How iPhone screens have changed over the years...
- iPhone (2007) – 3.5 inches
- iPhone 3G (2008) – 3.5 inches
- iPhone 3GS (2009) – 3.5 inches
- iPhone 4 (2010) – 3.5 inches
- iPhone 4S (2011) – 3.5 inches
- iPhone 5 (2012) – 4 inches
- iPhone 5S (2013) – 4 inches
- iPhone 5C (2013) – 4 inches
- iPhone 6 (2014) – 4.7 inches
- iPhone 6+ (2014) – 5.5 inches
- iPhone 6S (2015) – 4.7 inches
- iPhone 6S+ (2015) – 5.5 inches
- iPhone SE (2016) – 4 inches
- iPhone 7 (2016) – 4.7 inches
- iPhone 7+ (2016) – 5.5 inches
- iPhone 8 (2017) – 4.7 inches
- iPhone 8+ (2017) – 5.5 inches
- iPhone X (2017) – 5.8 inches
- iPhone XS (2018) – 5.8 inches
- iPhone XR (2018) – 6.1 inches
- iPhone XS Max (2018) – 6.5 inches
- iPhone 11 (2019) – 6.1 inches
- iPhone 11 Pro (2019) – 5.8 inches
- iPhone 11 Pro Max (2019) – 6.5 inches
Fixing an iPhone screen is one of the most commonly requested repairs at Apple.
And using dodgy replacement screens that aren't approved can mean your device no longer works properly – effectively wasting your money.
With the new system, you'll be able to use approved repair shops with Apple-trained technicians, who can swap in a genuine iPhone screen.
The expansion is taking place in 32 countries across Europe, as well as Canada.
Most read in Phones & Gadgets
In other news, your iPhone can now tell you if your password has been hacked.
Scammers are using Google Alerts to send out links to malware.
And, Kim Kardashian West has entered an exclusive deal with Spotify to produce and host a new podcast.
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