Just a quick question, will I be able to pay 49$ and get Apple to replace maybe the aluminum back even though it only has scratches on it and I just want it to look new again? And is replacing the backing even possible?
You can replace or repair your phone if there is damage done to the phone. I believe you have a limited number of claims for AppleCare. 2 a year is what I believe I read. I personally don't think it's worth a claim, but you or others may justify its cost and use of one of your yearly claims.
Good luck in whatever you decide to do...
PS: Maybe try a case that covers the scratches and or back of the phone?
Yes, you can get it fixed with your $50 copay. They only allow 2 exchanges per year and each will cost you $50. I would recommend a case, or if you don't like cases, check out a protective film like the Zaggskin. They are awesome and let the phone look naked, while still offering protection from scratches.
No deductible if a warranty issue and warranty is extended to two years.
Thanks, Karen!! Definitely adding Apple Care then. I treat my phone like it's a small child, but I'd like to be covered if something out of my control happens (a button starts sticking or is unresponsive)...
Just to clarify:
It?s a minor thing, but worth mentioning. The iPhone warranty that we?re talking about here is AppleCare+ (the PLUS is significant). Apple no longer offers AppleCare for iPhones and iPods... but replaced it with AppleCare+. The difference is that "plus" includes up to TWO replacements ($49 per) for physical, previously non-warranted damage.
And if you sell (or transfer ownership) of your phone, you can do a one-time transfer of the AC+, as well. You can also request a refund at any time for the pro-rated, unused portion of the coverage.
Copying my reply from this thread:
Another note on AppleCare+ is that you can only buy it within 30 days of buying a new iPhone. After that you're out of luck. From the Apple site:
AppleCare+ must be purchased within 30 days of the date you bought your new iPhone. If you did not purchase AppleCare+ with your iPhone, you may purchase it at an Apple Retail Store. To buy AppleCare+ at an Apple Retail Store, a Specialist will first need to verify your iPhone purchase date and confirm that your iPhone has no pre-existing damage.
If you missed the window, it helps to consider is what Apple charges for out-of-warranty repair/replacements; depending on your device and how careful you are with it, you might decide that AppleCare+ is not worth the money anyway:
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So if you have a 4S and buy AppleCare+, you spend $99 no matter what, and $148 if you have to replace your phone ($197 if you break it twice in two years). Without it, you'd spend $199, but only if you need service. For me--someone who is really careful with his devices--I'm comfortable without it, knowing that if I do need non-warranty service, it's only going to cost me around fifty bucks* more than I'd pay if I had AppleCare+. Obviously, it gets more expensive if you manage to need two replacements in two years, but after owning three generations of iPhones I have yet to require any service for any of them. So for me it doesn't seem worth the initial payout, based on my history.
*Depending on your device. My iPhone 5 would actually be about $80 more to replace outside of warranty, but my iPhone 4 would only cost $1 more than it would if I prepaid for AppleCare+.
So in short, I can pay 49$ to get a guaranteed aesthetically perfect phone from my original phone even if it only has a few minor scratches.