Apple Inc. is setting up a new facet of customer service for its iPhone user base, according to a report from 9to5Mac. The report cites sources who have “knowledge of the upcoming initiative,” and says that Apple will soon be offering replacement parts and services for the iPhone 5s and 5c at its retail locations. This means that when your iPhone 5 gets damaged, a full phone replacement won’t be necessary.

Special Equipment

According to the sources, Apple will be setting up special equipment in its Apple Store retail locations that will allow for the replacement of the touchscreen on both the 5s and 5c models of the iPhone. These specialized machines are used for calibration of the touchscreen displays on these models.
The screen replacements are reported to cost only $149, which is a significant decrease from the cost of replacing the entire phone. By eliminating the need for phone replacement over a cracked or shattered screen, Apple is not only able to save its customers some serious cash, but may also eliminate the wait time for a new phone to be shipped.

Additional Repairs

Besides just replacing the displays, Apple will also have the ability to replace other parts on the phones. These parts include the volume button, vibration motor, rear facing camera, and the speakers. Apple Store employees will also be able to replace the standard Home button on the iPhone 5c, but as of right now, it doen’t look like the replacement option will be available for the Touch-ID button on the 5s model.

Warranty Coverage

If your iPhone is still under warranty, then defective parts will be replaced free of charge. However, ig the warranty is not still in effect, then there will be fees associated with each part that has to be replaced. For instance, replacement batteries will run you $79, while a new Home button on the 5c model will cost $29.

Time Saved

The amount of time to replace a screen varies from 30 minutes to an hour. However, syncing, backing up, and replacing your content from your old phone could take a lot longer. Still, this is much quicker than waiting to have a new iPhone shipped to you.

Earlier Repair Initiative

Apple Inc. began offering in-store replacement for the iPhone 5 earlier this year. Aside from simply saving time and money for the customers, Apple also realizes financial benefits from these services. The Cupertino company no longer has to spend the extra cash to produce a replacement phone for its clients, and it eliminates the entire shipping and handling process.

According to sources, the equipment for the replacement and repairs has already begun arriving at some retail store locations. This could mean that the services will be offered in the very near future.