A cracked smartphone screen is not an unusual sight. People drop their phones all the time. It's the whole reason why sites like iFixit exist. However, it seems Apple may be out to get a slice of the iPhone repair pie. Rumor has it, the Apple Store might soon be replacing iPhone 5S screens among other things.
According to a report over on 9to5 Mac, Apple will soon be repairing some models of iPhone in-store. The Apple site quotes sources as saying Apple will replace certain parts of iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C as opposed to simply replacing damaged devices. This follows on from Apple's repairing iPhone 5 screens in store, which 9to5Mac reports the company started doing earlier this year.
Repairs will be done free if the device is under AppleCare warranty. If not, screen replacements will cost $149. Prices regarding other repairs were not mentioned but 9to5Mac's sources say stores will also be able to replace the home button on the iPhone 5C, the volume buttons, the speaker system, the rear camera and the vibrating motor.
Apple will apparently be providing stores with special equipment to replace touchscreens and is already sending out training material for staff members, though it's not clear when the program is going to launch. Given how hard it is to repair an iPhone 5S or 5C at home, we're sure Apple will get a lot of business.
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