It says it plain as day on the Apple website: “We’ll give you credit for your device.”

What does that mean for you? It means that if you broke your phone, it’s no longer a problem!

It used to be that with Apple’s Reuse and Recycling Program you could only trade in undamaged older iPhones for credit. You can now bring your damaged phone in for credit towards another phone, according to 9to5mac.

What kind of a discount can you expect to receive? Our research uncovered that you can trade-in iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 and 6 Plus phones with damaged displays, cameras and buttons, as well as some older models. The damage must be “within reason,” though.

Here’s what you can expect when you take a damaged phone to your local Apple store:

• $50 for an iPhone 5S
• $200 for an iPhone 6
• $250 for an iPhone 6 Plus
• If you have a larger device, it will most likely be worth more.

Web experts say that the broken iPhone values are about one-third less or half the value of the same devices in good condition.

Why the change in policy? Just think of it as Apple’s way of keeping the consumer happy and in the next generation of iPhone. It also encourages customers to upgrade their devices instead of simply getting their screens fixed.

When consumers combine the credit on their old phone with the newer financing plans, this can make buying a new phone more cost effective as they continue to stay part of the Apple family.

The Bonuses Keep Coming

Along with news of their new replacement program, Apple stores are set to offer plastic screen protector installations on iPhones.

In a partnership with Belkin, Apple brings screen protection installation machines in-store. If the installation causes a problem, Apple will replace this for free as well.

Apple Care – The Other Option

What if you just got a new iPhone 6S, and it quit working? Most Apple devices come with a limited one-year warranty and up to 90 days of free phone support. Past these deadlines, customers can extend coverage through the purchase of AppleCare+.

With AppleCare+, you extend your coverage to two years from your purchase date, and you get two incidents of accidental damage with a service fee:

• $79 for iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
• $99 for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus

Final Thoughts

Since we’re talking about broken phones, let’s look at a few ways to protect your iPhone.

• Use a screen protector. If you use a quality screen protector with your iPhone, your screen is less likely to shatter. You might end up with a broken screen protector if you drop your phone, but the odds of breaking your phone’s screen are less.
• Use a tough case. You want something uber protective with a tough case to protect your phone. When combined with a screen protector, a shock-absorbent, tough-as-nails case can greatly reduce your chances of breaking your phone.

Lastly, you can rest a bit easier tonight knowing that if you broke your phone, it’s no longer a problem as there are many options for replacement.

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