Apple Says Some iPhone 12 Hardware Issues Will No Longer Require Replacing the Entire Device

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Apple today informed Apple Authorized Service Providers that it will be introducing a new same-unit repair method for iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 models exhibiting certain issues that would typically require a whole-unit replacement.

iphone 12 blue aluminum
In an internal memo, obtained by MacRumors, Apple said technicians will be able to offer same-unit repairs starting February 23 for iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 models that are unable to be powered on or are experiencing issues with the logic board, Face ID system, or the enclosure of the device, such as cracked rear glass.

Apple Authorized Service Providers (and likely Genius Bars) will have a new "iPhone Rear System" part available to them that consists of the rear enclosure of an iPhone with all components except the display and rear camera, including the battery, logic board, wireless charging coil, Taptic Engine, Face ID system, and so forth.

If a customer has an iPhone 12 mini with cracked rear glass, for example, technicians will be able to replace the entire rear portion of the device, with the new enclosure affixed to the original display and rear camera. For this reason, the customer's display and rear camera must be free of damage or functional failures in order for their device to qualify for this same-unit repair method, according to Apple.

The new repair method will be available in all countries and regions where the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 are sold, according to Apple. iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max models do not appear to be eligible at this time.

In its memo, Apple said this move supports the company's ongoing commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of every product it sells.

Tag: Apple Authorized Service Providers
Related Forum: iPhone

Top Rated Comments

farewelwilliams Avatar
farewelwilliams
42 months ago
Apple Says Some iPhone 12 Hardware Issues Will No Longer Require Losing Big Margins on Device.

fixed the title.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mikeyy00 Avatar
mikeyy00
42 months ago
Apple is seemingly going the repair-all-the-things route vs outright swaps like they used to do.

I had a two day old 12mini, kept rebooting on it's own and not-detecting the sim card. Brought into the local Apple Store, was told "oh sorry, we have to send it to depot".

Eff that, it's two days old. I want a swap. Nope, told to pound sand.

If I wanted depot repair service, I'd buy a Samsung.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ghanwani Avatar
ghanwani
42 months ago

Apple is seemingly going the repair-all-the-things route vs outright swaps like they used to do.

I had a two day old 12mini, kept rebooting on it's own and not-detecting the sim card. Brought into the local Apple Store, was told "oh sorry, we have to send it to depot".

Eff that, it's two days old. I want a swap. Nope, told to pound sand.

If I wanted depot repair service, I'd buy a Samsung.
Could you not return it?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mikeyy00 Avatar
mikeyy00
42 months ago

Could you not return it?
No, carrier didn't have stock for 3 weeks. Ended up getting on the phone to Apple, who agreed to mail me a replacement, provided I fronted the cost on a credit card which they'd refund once they received my old one back.

Yes, better than a kick in the arse.. but not the type of support I've historically gotten from Apple.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple_Robert Avatar
Apple_Robert
42 months ago

I dropped my 12 mini ONCE a week after I got it and it cracked the wide angle lens. $429 after tax. Credit card insurance covered it but this is not the "4x more durable" I signed up for. ...screen was fine though
Apple has never advertised the screen as crack proof. I don't know why you would think otherwise.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Psychicbob Avatar
Psychicbob
42 months ago
I’m never buying from a carrier again. Did that with the 11 Pro and had an issue with dropped calls almost immediately. Spent the next 6 months having Apple blame carrier and carrier blame Apple. 3rd unit in, it turned out to be carrier. Not going to run the risk of being ping-ponged between 2 companies again.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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