Internal Sprint documentation has revealed plans to exclude the iPhone from Total Equipment Protection service at launch and will instead institute a new specific replacement policy for the smartphones inline with current Apple policies.
The iPhone 4 and 4S include AppleCare protection for 1 year at purchase, which includes repair in case of damage, while purchasing additional coverage via AppleCare+ will extend coverage for an additional 2 years and also adds two exchange opportunities in case of severe damage for a $49 deductible.
The exchange policies in place for the iPhone will have full-service Sprint stores authorize exchanges for like models under DHRP and in-store exchange with available inventory, while web-based customer care will not be able to address iPhone exchanges, Apple Care/Retail will be able to authorize in-store/mail-in exchanges while stores under the service center footprint will be able to handle exchanges under the advanced exchange protocol.
While Sprint will exclude the iPhone from TEP at launch, it’s expected to offer the monthly device coverage in the future, albeit with increased deductibles inline with similar Asurion offerings.
