Apple upgrades repair loaners from iPhone 8 to iPhone XR

In a change to existing policy, Apple will soon offer iPhone XR loaners to customers when repairs call for the device to be mailed in to a service center.

According to an internal services memo seen by MacRumors, Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers in the U.S. and other unnamed countries will provide iPhone XR loaners starting on Nov. 4.

The iPhone XR replaces iPhone 8 as Apple's standard loaner device. Launched in 2018 as a more affordable alternative to iPhone XS, the XR series packs a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, Face ID, A12 Bionic system-on-chip and single rear-facing camera into a sleek aluminum chassis.

The outgoing iPhone 8 relied on Touch ID, a smaller screen and slower A11 Bionic processor.

Customers whose iPhone repair calls for the device to be mailed out for service will be eligible for an iPhone XR loaner, according to the report. As per Apple's policies, customers can use the device during the repair period, but must return loaner units within 14 days of being notified that their device is ready for pickup.

1 Comment

GeorgeBMac 11421 comments · 8 Years

About 3 years ago

My experience is that most repairs are done right in the store -- at least for screen damage and batteries.

But, upgrading loaners to an Xr is a good thing:

First, they are more compatible with what most users are accustomed to (with Face ID)

Second, my Xr performs very, very well. The only serious thing I miss is 5G -- but then only out in the more outlying suburban areas where LTE gets spotty.

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