Apple Says Third-Party iPhone Screen Repairs No Longer Fully Void Your Warranty

iPhones that have undergone any third-party screen repair now qualify for warranty coverage, as long as the issue being fixed does not relate to the display itself, according to an internal memo distributed by Apple today. MacRumors confirmed the memo's authenticity with multiple sources.

iphone 7 display
Previously, an iPhone with a third-party display was not eligible for any authorized repairs under warranty.

When a customer with an iPhone that has a third-party display seeks a repair for a non-display issue, Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers have been advised to inspect the device for any fraud or tampering, and then swap out the device or replace the broken part based on Apple's in-warranty pricing.

iPhones with third-party displays must still be within their warranty coverage period, whether it be Apple's standard 1-year manufacturer's warranty or extended AppleCare coverage, in order for warranty service to be honored.

If the iPhone is out of warranty, or the repair involves a display-related issue, customers will be offered the option to pay Apple's flat rate out-of-warranty pricing. If a customer declines this out-of-warranty pricing, then Apple Authorized Service Providers are instructed to decline service altogether.

If the presence of any third-party part causes the repair to be unsuccessful or breaks the iPhone, Apple said customers will be required to pay the out-of-warranty cost to replace the third-party part, or the entire device if necessary, in order to resolve the issue that the iPhone was initially brought in for.

If a customer wants to pay for an Apple genuine display to replace their third-party display, Apple Authorized Service Providers have been instructed to quote the typical out-of-warranty price for a new display. Apple said AppleCare+ will not cover third-party display or battery repairs.

Apple Authorized Service Providers are still instructed to decline service for any iPhone with a functional failure related to a third-party aluminum enclosure, logic board, battery, Lightning connector, headphone jack, volume buttons, mute switch, sleep/wake button, and certain microphones.

MacRumors has confirmed that the policy applies to repairs in the United States and Canada, while other regions are likely included.

Top Rated Comments

Mr_Brightside_@ Avatar
82 months ago
this is good news. warranty shouldn't have ever been voided on other components if the all that's in there is another display assembly.
Username checks out
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Fzang Avatar
82 months ago
I need tightening of my iPhone's lightening port. That thing has seen more insertions than...
Than your seatbelt clip? Your knife block?? Your turkey thermometer???

Don't leave us hanging!
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mr_Brightside_@ Avatar
82 months ago
This is really surprising, but hopefully a good move.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
joshuaadunn Avatar
82 months ago
Ok, good for the customer bad for apple I guess, how should apple know if the 3rd party repair Guy did use ESD protection gear?
One spark from the finger is enough to fry the board.
You obviously don't work on them.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MH01 Avatar
82 months ago
This is a good move kudos apple.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SeaFox Avatar
82 months ago
Ok, good for the customer bad for apple I guess, how should apple know if the 3rd party repair Guy did use ESD protection gear?
One spark from the finger is enough to fry the board.
If he fried the board during the repair, the consumer would know as soon as they picked up their phone and found it not working. It would be painfully obvious who was at fault.

Well painfully obvious to most people here, I guess.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)