Apple to offer the iPhone XR as a loaner phone during lengthier repairs

By Prakhar Khanna Updated November 2, 2021

Apple discontinued the iPhone XR after the launch of the latest iPhone 13 series, which is understandable given that it’s a three-year-old phone. The smartphone had been the go-to budget iPhone since 2018, and it is still a competitive device in 2021, according to Digital Trends writer Michael Allison, who just spent a week testing a refurbished one.

Now, Apple is offering it as a loaner smartphone while it repairs your broken iPhone, according to an internal memo obtained by MacRumors, which states that the iPhone XR will be offered as a loaner starting November 4. This won’t be a universal program, though. Only Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers will be able to offer the iPhone XR as a loaner device to consumers during lengthier repairs in the U.S. and other regions.

The option for a loaner will also only be available if the Apple Store determines that your iPhone must be mailed off to an Apple repair center to be serviced. Notably, you must return the loaner iPhone within 14 days after the date that Apple notifies you that your repaired iPhone is ready for pickup.

For reference, as of now, Apple offers the aging iPhone 8 if your iPhone takes longer than usual to repair. The company is now shifting to the iPhone XR, which came out a year after the iPhone 8. It comes with major upgrades over the iPhone 8, including features like Face ID with a broad notch at the top of the display. It is also powered by the capable A12 Bionic chip, has 3GB RAM, and a 2,942mAh battery. It’s not the most powerful iPhone anymore, but it should be more than enough to tide you over for a week or two, plus it supports iOS 15 with no serious problems reported.

Topics

Mobile Writer

Prakhar writes news, reviews and features for Digital Trends. He is an independent tech journalist who has been a part of the…

Mobile

The wait for Apple’s iOS 18 update is almost over

Two iPhones running iOS 18.

After months of anticipation, Apple's big "It's Glowtime" event arrived today, and it brought the eagerly awaited news of when to expect the iPhone or iPad to get the update to iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, respectively.

Announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, iOS 18 is the biggest update to the iPhone in years. At its big event today, Apple confirmed that iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 are both officially being released on September 16. They bring many customization options, like the ability to move apps freely on the home screen and change the lock screen shortcuts, as well as all-new themes, including being able to choose colors, styles, and designs as you wish. Widgets can now be resized dynamically using a handle that surfaces when you're in edit mode, and instead of having to delete and read a widget in a different size, you can resize it on the fly.

Mobile

The Apple Store is down. Here’s why you can’t use it

Apple Store down.

The online Apple Store is currently unavailable in preparation for today's "It's Glowtime" event. The store still displays products likely to be discontinued, such as the iPhone 15 Pro series and Apple Watch Series 9, but you can no longer purchase them. These products are expected to be replaced by new products, which will be available for preorder shortly.

Instead of a "Buy" button, you'll see this message: "Be right back. We're making updates to the Apple Store. Check back soon."

Mobile

How to watch Apple’s iPhone 16 event today

Official announcement graphic for Apple's iPhone 16 event.

The most highly anticipated annual event on Apple's calendar is nearly upon us. The unveiling of the latest iPhone, the iPhone 16, is scheduled for today, Monday, September 9. As usual, the company will stream the event for everyone to watch.

That's good news, but some important questions must be answered. What time is the event? Where can you watch it? What do we expect to be announced? Here's everything you need to know about how to watch the iPhone 16 event.
When is the iPhone 16 event?
Similar to other recent Apple events, the "It's Glowtime" event has already been recorded and is scheduled to stream beginning at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET on Monday, September 9. You can watch the event as it streams or at your convenience after it's over.