Apple replacement scheme - is worth a try?

Apple replacement scheme - is worth a try?

Author
Discussion

adetri

Original Poster:

24 posts

225 months

Sunday 24th May 2015
quotequote all
Hi,

My almost new iPhone 5S has just lost a battle with the tailgate of a Subaru Forester - quick dramatically. FYI is was being used as an overhead light using its torch on the top lip of the open tailgate and then, forgotten about.... and so when the tailgate was slammed shut... let's just say the iPhone now looks more like a non-EU spec banana and the screen has come away dramatically from it's extremely bent rear casing. It's severe.

So, reading on the net I see there is something called the Apple replacement service of in-warranty but accidentally damaged iPhones - something like £250 to have it replaced. Can't seem to find a definitive answer on whether I would qualify.

Has anyone any experience of this? Does it cover such stratospheric damage as described above? Worth a visit to the Apple Store (UK)....? I'd pay the fee to have it replaced as I am just 1 month into a 2 year contract - not the best time to do this sort of thing.

Cheers.


mikef

4,826 posts

250 months

Sunday 24th May 2015
quotequote all
I just replaced an iPad on that scheme - dropped onto concrete. Replaced with a new one, quick and easy process. I hope you had a recent backup

adetri

Original Poster:

24 posts

225 months

Sunday 24th May 2015
quotequote all
Thanks Mikef - Fortunately I have a backup.

How badly damaged was your iPad? Did you just walk-in or make a Genuis Bar appointment. They are like hen's teeth at the moment.

Thanks....

Dodsy

7,172 posts

226 months

Sunday 24th May 2015
quotequote all
I had an iphone4 replaced last year I think it was about £150 . My sons phone so had evidence of water ingress/damage, smashed front and rear glass, broken headphone socket and dodgy charging socket. You need a Genius bar appointment, hand them the phone they hand you a replacement job done. Cant remember if the replacement was new or refurbished.

mikef

4,826 posts

250 months

Sunday 24th May 2015
quotequote all
I actually did it through my local Apple retailer, Same apple scheme but I could just walk in. Took 3 days for the replacement to come in

adetri

Original Poster:

24 posts

225 months

Monday 25th May 2015
quotequote all
Thanks all - Genius Bar appointment booked.... fingers crossed. As it is all still in one piece, but only just, I am hoping they will replace it for the fee (Out of Warranty replacement) which I gather is £199 for a 5S. An expensive error then...

If this fails, I will try and have it repaired by a third party company... Not too keen on this but can't afford to just bin the phone.

tim0409

4,355 posts

158 months

Monday 25th May 2015
quotequote all
adetri said:
Thanks all - Genius Bar appointment booked.... fingers crossed. As it is all still in one piece, but only just, I am hoping they will replace it for the fee (Out of Warranty replacement) which I gather is £199 for a 5S. An expensive error then...

If this fails, I will try and have it repaired by a third party company... Not too keen on this but can't afford to just bin the phone.
It's £206.44 - I recently made an expensive mistake like you!

andymc

7,334 posts

206 months

Tuesday 26th May 2015
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household insurance?

Zoon

6,654 posts

120 months

Wednesday 27th May 2015
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tim0409 said:
It's £206.44 - I recently made an expensive mistake like you!
Although cheaper than a new phone.

adetri

Original Poster:

24 posts

225 months

Friday 5th June 2015
quotequote all
So here's an update. Genius bar chap replaced it no questions asked. The cost was 199 including VAT - cheaper than a new 5s or the hassle, uncertainty and excess plus premium increase of claiming on the household insurance. I'm now up and running again (luckily I had a backup).

I'm impressed by Apple's customer service on this. OK it means your still in the Apple camp and OK there was a fee, but where else could you take back a completely wrecked (by you) item, not even to the shop you bought it (it came via EE) and they replace it no questions asked?

anonymous-user

53 months

Saturday 6th June 2015
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I guess the item only costs them £2.50, but a hassle free service nonetheless

mikef

4,826 posts

250 months

Saturday 6th June 2015
quotequote all
Jimboka said:
I guess the item only costs them £2.50, but a hassle free service nonetheless
$200 - http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/09/24/iphone-5...

But they can probably recycle some parts from the returns

Edited by mikef on Saturday 6th June 22:18