Back Glass Repair Guide · Lai Lai Pro Technicians
Reglassing - replacing just the back glass rather than the full housing - is cheaper, but it carries a real risk: if done with low-quality adhesive or the wrong glass, it can lead to poor seal, moisture ingress, and reduced resale value. Here's when it makes sense and when it doesn't, from the technicians who do this every day.
From the iPhone 8 onwards, Apple uses a glass back on all iPhones - mainly to enable wireless charging. Unlike the aluminium-backed models before them, these glass backs can crack from a drop even when the screen survives intact.
There are two ways to repair a cracked back glass:
Full housing replacement involves transferring every internal component (motherboard, battery, cameras, Face ID module) into a brand new housing with fresh glass. This gives the cleanest result but is the most expensive and time-consuming option.
Reglassing (also called back glass replacement) involves carefully removing the cracked back glass from the existing housing using heat and precision tools, then bonding a new piece of glass onto the original frame. The internals are not touched. This is faster and cheaper - and in skilled hands, the result is excellent.
Not all reglassing is equal. The difference between a repair that lasts and one that fails in a few weeks comes down to process and materials.
Heat-controlled removal using a regulated hot plate - not a heat gun - to minimise thermal stress on the battery
Apple original and OEM replacement glass matching original colour and finish specifications
High-strength, flexible adhesive rated for moisture resistance - not cheap double-sided tape
90-day warranty on all back glass replacements - if it lifts or fails, we fix it free
All prices include Apple original and OEM replacement glass, labour, proper adhesive, and a 90-day warranty.
| Model | Back Glass Replacement |
|---|---|
| iPhone X | POA |
| iPhone XR | POA |
| iPhone XS | POA |
| iPhone XS Max | POA |
| iPhone 11 | R650 |
| iPhone 11 Pro | R700 |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | R750 |
| iPhone 12 | R700 |
| iPhone 12 Mini | POA |
| iPhone 12 Pro | R700 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | R800 |
| iPhone 13 | R850 |
| iPhone 13 Mini | POA |
| iPhone 13 Pro | R850 |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | R850 |
| iPhone 14 | R850 |
| iPhone 14 Plus | POA |
| iPhone 14 Pro | R900 |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | R900 |
| iPhone 15 | R1,500 |
| iPhone 15 Plus | R1,500 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | R2,000 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | R2,200 |
Prices last updated July 2026. WhatsApp us to confirm your model's price before booking.
Your Questions Answered
Yes. Any third-party repair - including back glass reglassing - voids Apple's standard warranty on the repaired component. If your phone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, it is worth contacting Apple first to see if they will cover the repair under your plan before choosing a third-party option.
Back glass reglassing typically takes 45 to 90 minutes at our Vereeniging workshop due to the heat removal and adhesive curing process. Some older models are faster. We'll give you an accurate time estimate when you book - WhatsApp us your model to check.
Apple original and OEM replacement glass is made to the same material specification as Apple's original back glass. Strength is comparable. The main variable is the adhesive bond quality and the care taken during removal - which is why choosing an experienced technician matters. At Lai Lai Pro, we use heat-controlled removal and high-strength adhesive to ensure a durable, flush result.
Both methods remove the cracked back glass, but the technique differs. Heat-based removal uses a regulated hot plate to soften the adhesive and lift the glass. Laser separation uses a precision laser to cut the adhesive bond with less heat transfer to the battery and internal components. Laser separation is generally considered safer on newer models like the iPhone 14 and 15 series, where the back glass is more tightly integrated. We use the appropriate method for each model.
WhatsApp us your model and a photo of the damage - we'll confirm the price and book you in immediately.
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