At a recent event, Apple revealed that the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max come with an internal design focused on repairability, notably featuring a back glass panel that can be effortlessly removed. This follows a similar design approach first implemented in the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus models last year. These devices were the first in the iPhone series since the 2011-released iPhone 4S to allow for both front and back access to the internals for repair purposes. However, this feature had not been extended to the iPhone 14 Pro models.
The new removable back glass design is expected to considerably reduce the repair costs for those who do not have AppleCare+ coverage.
For context, out-of-warranty repair fees for the more repairable iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus ranged from $169 to $199 for back glass damage, as opposed to the $499 to $549 cost for the iPhone 14 Pro models. While Apple has yet to reveal the repair fees for the iPhone 15 series, it is anticipated that the costs will be closer to the more budget-friendly figures of the iPhone 14 range.
iFixit’s Kyle Wiens lauded the iPhone 14 as “the most substantial iPhone redesign” since the iPhone X due to its enhanced repairability. He also stressed that this shift towards a more repair-friendly iPhone was so significant that Apple should have made it the centerpiece of its announcement.
Pre-orders for the entire iPhone 15 series will start on Friday, September 15 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time, with the official release scheduled for Friday, September 22.