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Apple to charge $149 for in-store iPhone 5 glass repair -- report

That's the word from forum posters and one recent report, which claims that Apple has finally gotten down to the business of fixing cracked screens in-store.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger
Apple's iPhone 5
Apple's iPhone 5 -- glass intact CBS Interactive

Getting that cracked iPhone 5 display fixed might be a tad bit easier than it previously was.

Apple has decided to start repairing iPhone 5 displays in-store for those who have signed up for its $99 AppleCare+ package, Macrumors reported Monday, citing people who claim to have knowledge of its plans. The site also pointed to a forum in which one member says he has a friend who works at the Apple store and who said the company is now charging $149 to fix cracked iPhone 5 screens.

Another poster said the replacement takes only about 10 minutes.

Although Apple's price might seem rather steep, especially to those who have already paid for AppleCare+, it falls in line with similar screen-fixing solutions on the Web. Quick iFix, for example, previously charged $174.99 for a display fix, but is now charging customers $139.99.

Apple previously would not fix damaged iPhone displays in-store, forcing many people to pay for a replacement. If Apple has indeed changed its policy, that's good news for those who have slippery fingers and drop the device often.

CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the report. We will update this story when we have more information.