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.
