Apple 'loses money on phone repairs'

Answering questions from US politicians investigating anti-competitive practices, Apple said it had lost money on repair services since 2009.

Apple typically charges more than unofficial repair shops to fix things such as smashed screens.

But the company also said customers were "free to obtain repairs from any repair shop of their choice".

In September, Apple was sent a list of questions by a US House Judiciary Committee, which is investigating "competition in digital markets".

In response to a question about how much the company earns from repair services, Apple said: "For each year since 2009, the costs of providing repair services has exceeded the revenue generated by repairs."

The company currently charges £326.44 to replace the screen on its new iPhone 11 Pro Max, and £596.44 for other repairs on the device, if it is out of warranty and the customer has not bought the AppleCare+ protection plan. It charges £152.44 to replace the screen on an out-of-warranty iPhone 8.

Prices at unofficial repair shops vary, but are usually significantly cheaper than an official repair. The BBC found third parties retailers that would replace an iPhone 8 screen for between £50 and £90. Learn More about iPad Screen Repair Coventry.