Dropped your smartphone accidentally and cracked the screen? This is something that has happened to almost all of us at some point or the other. Whether it was accidental or intentional, cracked screens look ugly and can even pose a danger to your fingers, lap, and face. This is because when a screen cracks, the crack spreads further, and tiny shards of glass keep falling.

Before you consider buying a new phone, there are certain things you can do to fix the problem. However as the very first step, ensure that your phone is backed up and all the data is stored in a secure location.

·      Call the Manufacturer

Of course this will be the first thing on your mind; it’s always a good idea to contact the company that made your smartphone. Almost all smartphones come with a warranty period, so if you crack your screen within the period, you can get your screen replaced for free. However, some companies do not cover accidental damage.

For example, Apple offers AppleCare which is valid if you buy the service within 60 days of purchasing a new iPhone. But they charge you for accidental damage. Nevertheless, they will either replace the screen or the entire phone, depending upon the extent of the damage.

·      Contact a Local Repair Shop

If you are uncomfortable sending your smartphone to the manufacturer, then you can search for local mobile phone repair shops in your area. They are much cheaper, but before you hire one, make sure that they provide some form of guarantee that their repair work will not break down too soon. Furthermore, there is a risk of such outlets utilising low quality components which can void the manufacturer’s warranty and insurance on your phone.

·      Check with a Phone Insurance Company

There are services which offer insurance for covering accidental damage to your phone such as Row.co.uk. From as low as £1.49 and up to a 20% discount, Row.co.uk covers accidental damage to your mobile phone which also includes a cracked screen.

·      Do-it-Yourself

If you have hands-on experience in repairing electronic devices, then this route will save you quite a bit of money. However, even the slightest hesitation or doubt can cause further damage to your smartphone. You will need to find a repair kit for replacing the screen on your smartphone. For example, a new Galaxy S6 screen costs around £7.59 on Amazon. You can find many tutorials on websites such as iFixIt on how to replace a cracked screen.

In some instances, your smartphone’s screen must not have developed large cracks. If the crack is smaller and the screen displays and works properly, then you can use a temporary solution. Take packaging tape and wrap it over the screen of your phone; this will prevent the crack from spreading and you can continue using it till you come across a better solution.

*The information in this blog is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. Please seek a professional for expert advice as we can not be held responsible for any damages or negative consequences upon following this information.

In late August 2016, Ireland was ordered by the European Commission to reclaim €13 billion in back taxes from Apple.

It is claimed that Ireland illegally gave significant tax breaks to Apple, allowing the gadget mega-corporation to pay just 2% on profits compared to the country’s rate of 12.5%.

Although both Apple and the Irish government are appealing the ruling, it is unclear whether they will be successful.

However, with such a large cash pile, could there be another way for Apple to avoid paying the tax?

In 2014, the GDP figure for Ireland was $205 billion, just a few billion more than the cash hoard Apple reported to hold in 2015.

Ireland may not be for sale, but their debt potentially is. With a reported $226.6 billion in the red, Apple could pay off the entire amount in just a few instalments.

What would Apple get in return? Perhaps an even better tax deal or even the offer of paying no tax at all. That may not currently be legal under EU rules, but with neighbouring Britain having recently decided to leave the union, Ireland may not be far off joining.

Ireland may be seen as a tax haven and therefore attractive to Apple to place its European headquarters, but what’s stopping Apple from just creating its own country and making its own taxation laws?

In theory, Apple could buy its own country and build a bank for under $150 million, avoiding hefty penalties like the one it currency faces.

The idea may initially sound absurd, but in 2007 ‘Sealand’ was put on the open market. An ugly second World War II gun platform, just outside Britain’s three-mile territorial waters, claims to be the world’s smallest state. Remarkably, the UK government agrees.

For offers in the region of $100 million, this platform comes with the right to print its own postage stamps and even put a team into the qualifying stages of the World Cup.

According to OffshoreCompany.com, the costs of starting a new bank is roughly between $10 - $20 million; pocket change in comparison with Apple’s net worth.

Whether Apple considers one of these possibilities to avoid large future tax bills or not, it’s going to interesting watching what Apple does with its eye-watering cash stockpile and how it operates in an international economy with politicians increasingly clamping down on tax avoidance.

*The information in this blog is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. Please seek a professional for expert advice as we can not be held responsible for any damages or negative consequences upon following this information.