Apple has made changes to its repair and warranty policies for iPhones and Apple Watches this month, affecting the way users can get their devices repaired. Previously, Apple covered a “single hairline crack” under its standard warranty, provided there was no other visible damage or obvious point of impact that caused the crack. This meant that if your iPhone or Apple Watch had a single small crack on its screen, you could get it fixed at no extra cost under the standard warranty.

However, Apple has updated its policy, and now, if you report a single hairline crack, it will no longer be covered under the standard warranty. Instead, these repairs will be treated as “accidental damage” claims. This means you will have to pay for the repair even if there is no other damage or impact point on your device.

This policy change was communicated to Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers through an update distributed this week. Service providers must now treat all single hairline cracks as accidental damage, meaning the cost of repair will fall on the customer. This change only affects the iPhone and Apple Watch. For now, Apple continues to cover single hairline crack repairs under warranty for iPad and Mac.

Apple has not given any specific reasons for this change in policy. Historically, the implementation of this policy was inconsistent, with some stores and repair shops being more lenient than others. However, now service providers no longer have the flexibility to cover single hairline cracks under warranty.

This change is important because it affects how much users will have to pay if their device develops a single hairline crack. Previously, such minor damage could be repaired under warranty at no additional cost, but now it will be an out-of-pocket expense. If you have an iPhone or Apple Watch with a single hairline crack, you can expect to pay for the repair as an accidental damage claim.

For those who want to know the specific costs involved, Apple provides details of screen replacement prices on its website. It’s a good idea to check these prices so you know what to expect if you need your device repaired. This policy change highlights the importance of protecting your device from even minor damage, as repair costs can add up.

In short, Apple’s new policy means that single hairline cracks on iPhones and Apple Watches will no longer be covered under the standard warranty, and users will have to pay for these repairs as accidental damage claims. This change does not affect iPads and Macs, which are still covered for such damages under warranty. If you have an affected device, be prepared for potential repair costs and consider taking extra precautions to protect your device.