When Apple launched the iPhone 8, it made sure to highlight the new glass back on the phone, one of the few features that differentiates the 8 from the iPhone 7. And yes, the glass back is pretty, and Apple claims it is, quote, "durable." But the glossy case comes with higher replacement costs and a more pain-in-the-ass repair process.
While the glass screens on iPhone 8 cost only £21 to replace under AppleCare+, the iPhone 8's glass back will cost £75 to replace, AppleInsider confirmed. The glass back falls under a different category for AppleCare+ repairs—"other damage"—making it more expensive. AppleCare+ costs £95 for the iPhone 8 and £110 for the iPhone 8 Plus, and covers two additional repairs at a lesser price.
Prying apart the iPhone 8 helps to explain the price jump. While the glass screen is still relatively easy to pop out, the glass back is glued to a panel that holds the wireless charging coil in place. iFixit, which deconstructed the iPhone 8 for an instructional video, said this made it harder to get the back out without damaging other iPhone innards. So in-store and at-home repairs won't be breezy.
iPhone 8 screens cost £110 to replace (£125 for the Plus) if out of warranty and not covered by AppleCare+. No replacement costs are confirmed for the iPhone X, but because it also has a glass back, we can assume Apple will apply different pricing. Really, the takeaway here is buy a protective phone case. That's an investment worth making.
