Hey everyone! I'm feeling pretty anxious and could really use some advice. Recently, I dropped my iPhone 14 Pro Max into the sea and, in a hurry to recover my data, I took it to a third-party shop where they replaced the screen (which isn't an original part). After retrieving my data, I sent the phone to Apple for a claim under my AppleCare+ Theft and Loss coverage. Apple just got the phone and the replacement screen is now dead. The tracking shows "Original product received — item under inspection." I'm really worried this will impact my claim. Do you think they'll reject it because of the non-original screen even though the phone is clearly water damaged and unusable? Has anyone been through something like this? Thanks for any insight!
2 Answers
Honestly, there's a good chance they'll deny your claim because of that third-party screen. Most likely, Apple will charge you for the device since AppleCare is void with any non-Apple repairs. Just kinda wish you’d gone to Apple first, especially since you had coverage.
I get that, but it might have been a safer route to go through Apple directly.
Yeah, it doesn’t look good. Apple’s terms are pretty clear: third-party repairs can void AppleCare coverage. The most likely result is that they'll either send you a replacement and charge the hold on your card, or let you know that your device is ineligible for service due to those modifications. They might offer to return it or replace it at an out-of-warranty cost, but don’t count on it. Highly possible you'll end up paying for the replacement.
I've heard if you get a replacement phone, it will keep the rest of the AppleCare contract or at least a 90-day warranty.
I had to get data recovery before sending it in, so that’s why! I couldn't risk losing everything.