In order to minimize wait times at Genius Bars, Apple is launching a new pilot repair project involving the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, where under specific circumstances some devices will be shipped off-site for repairs, rather than being completed in-store.
Limited to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s, repairs falling into three specific categories will be shipped out to get fixed:
- If the device is unable to connect to iTunes on a computer
- If the iPhone will not power on
- If the iPhone does not boot up past the Apple logo
While Canadian Apple Stores won’t be part of this pilot program, the new repair initiative is launching first in the United States, Europe and Japan. It is likely, however, that it will make its way to additional regions in the near future if successful.
If a customer agrees to have their device shipped to an outside repair centre, they’ll be given a 16GB iPhone 6 loaner unit to use while they wait for their device to be repaired. Apple says it expects off-site repairs to take somewhere between three and five business days.
This new initiative marks a significant shift in Apple’s repair system. Previously customers could come in with a problem related to the iPhone and leave with a solution, often on the same day.
An automated system at Apple Stores is set to decide whether or not repairs will be performed at the Apple Store at an outside location, removing the decision-making onus from employees.
Related link: iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus review
[source]9to5 Mac[/source]
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