The much anticipated iPhone 8, which was revealed on September 14, along with the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, featured a major design change in comparison to the series" previous installments, in the form of a glass back. Now, Apple employees have reportedly confirmed that replacing the glass back will cost an AppleCare+ user $99, plus tax, in comparison to the $29 required to replace the screen.
According to AppleInsider, a broken back-glass will not be considered in the same class as a broken screen, and the cost of repair of the glass back will be deemed a part of the ""other damages"" fee. Perhaps one of the reasons why the difference in the aforementioned costs is so huge is that the iPhone 8"s rear panel is structurally quite rigid, and removing it requires much more effort in comparison to swapping out the front screen.
Note that the AppleCare+ plan costs $129 and $149 for the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus, respectively. It provides users damage coverage, priced at $29 for a screen replacement and $99 for any other damages, but only for the first two times their phones experience accidental damage; the third time, and onwards, incures a huge increase in the required payment for repair; $349 for the iPhone 8, and $399 for the iPhone 8 Plus. So, unless you"re prepared to spend about half the amount of money you paid to actually buy any of these phones, perhaps using a fancy back cover might be the better option.
For users who do not opt for the AppleCare+ plan, a thoroughly different set of prices apply for both screen damage and a miscellaneous damage incident. The plan must either be purchased when the device is bought or within 60 days of the purchase.