The iPod, iPad and iPhone product lines accounted for nearly $128 billion in sales in 2011 alone, a number that is expected to rise in the coming years.
Most of us cannot even imagine how much money this is, but many of us have felt the sting of the repair bill that is generated when one of these devices breaks.
The Apple brand is obviously one of the most popular in the world, which is why the tech giant charges a high premium for their products.
Their computers, phones and MP3 players are some of the priciest around, but consumers still continue to buy them in bulk number.
There is no doubting the quality of Apple products, but customers do need to be aware that these devices are susceptible to damage.
Every year, thousands of tech gadgets (mainly iPhones) break, and a majority of owners fail to purchase insurance coverage for them.
Likewise, when product warranties expire, owners are forced to spend a lot of money on repair costs.
Thus, the question as to whether a broken Apple product should be repaired or replaced looms in many people's minds.
Knowing the pros and cons of each, as well as being aware of your personal circumstances will help you make the most cost-effective decision.
After all, you shouldn't have to spend a fortune on something you already paid a lot of money for.
Bear in mind that if you do choose the repair route, there are an increasing number of cell phone repair firms on the market.
Be sure to do your research and do price comparisons on iPhone repair businesses in your area.
To Repair or to Replace: that is the Question
- Do you have insurance or a warranty on the Apple product? Having one of the two (or both) will certainly be a determining factor.
Apple generally offers a 90-day warranty on iPhones, so if your phone is still new, it will be worth sending back to the manufacturer.
Likewise, if you purchased insurance, you will only have to pay a deductible to get a full replacement. - Check cell phone repair companies in your area first; the popularity of Apple products has also sparked a rise in businesses that specialize in repairing these devices when they break.
It should also be noted that many people perform these services behind the scenes, which means they are not legitimate companies.
You can often get a great deal in this respect when it comes to repair costs, but you will need to be careful about who you are working with. - Choose a cell phone repair business that has extensive experience with iPhones; Apple is making these devices more difficult to repair (which has led to much criticism of the firm's practices), so you will want to thoroughly evaluate any third-party repair company before simply handing them your device.
- Replacement might be the better option if you want to upgrade or if the cost to do so is cheaper than repairing it.
This is especially true for iPhones, as carriers often give customers huge discounts on products when they renew their contracts.