As cool as the iPhone 12 may be, it could be more expensive to repair than the iPhone 11.
While the screen repair costs are unchanged between the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro, this will still run you $279 for an out-of-warranty repair. If you have AppleCare+ coverage, cost there is also unchanged at $29.
“Other damage” repair costs remained unchanged from last year, which remains $99 with AppleCare+, and $549 for an out-of-warranty repair.
The screen repair cost for the base model iPhone 12 has jumped from $199 to $279, which is most likely due to the increase to the OLED screen as found in the Pro. Apple has also increased the ‘other damage’ cost from $399 to $449. AppleCare+ repair costs are again $29 for screens and $99 for anything else.
On the plus side, it’s been noted that the ceramic-hardened displays used in all four iPhone 12 models could make the need for an iPhone 12 repair less likely, Apple citing that the ceramic display is “tougher than any smartphone glass” with four times greater resistance to damage from drops.
The Verge notes that the ceramic-hardened displays used in all models may at least make the need for a iPhone 12 repair less likely.
The new ceramic-hardened displays [is] used in the iPhone 12 series, which Apple says is “tougher than any smartphone glass” with four times greater resistance to damage from drops.
Apple has offered the following comments regarding the change:
iPhone already had the toughest glass in a smartphone. So to dramatically increase the durability of iPhone 12, we had to introduce an all-new material.
Enter Ceramic Shield. It’s made by introducing nano-ceramic crystals — which are actually harder than most metals — into glass. Sounds simple, but it’s incredibly difficult because ceramic isn’t transparent. By controlling the type of crystals and degree of crystallinity, we developed an exclusive formula that maximises the toughness of the ceramic while remaining optically clear. This was the breakthrough that made Ceramic Shield ideally suited for the display. It’s a first in any smartphone, and it’s tougher than any smartphone glass.
Tough is great, but we also wanted to make it scratch-resistant. So, using the same dual ion-exchange process we use on the back glass, we protect against nicks, scratches, and everyday wear and tear.
Beyond Ceramic Shield, there’s one more thing that contributes to the durability of the front cover. It sits flush to the edge of the phone, which helps protect it even more. Altogether, we’ve quadrupled the drop performance — the largest year-on-year improvement ever for iPhone.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via 9to5Mac, support.apple.com, and The Verge