Fixing your cracked iPhone screen is about to get easier

iPhone screen repair times are going to get a bit shorter. Today, I learned Apple makes a super secret thing called the Horizon Machine, which I assume shoots lasers and disintegrates human What's that, I'm sorry it just repairs iPhone screens. Apple plans to share its Horizon machines with 400 authorized third party repair centers in 25 countries by the end of 2017. Some states in the United States even have laws requiring manufacturers to offer broader support when it comes to personal and business repairs. So this move could also satisfy some of those new regulations and potentially bring down repair prices. The Horizon Machine itself isn't particularly sleek or stylish. It's about the size of a microwave and is specifically designed to replace cracked screens. Apple says the combination of first party parts, a precise calibration system and the Horizon machine itself means you'll get your iPhone back just like it came fresh from the factory. What Apple isn't saying is how much partners are paying for the Horizon machine but I'm guessing it's more than a few bucks. According to Apple, it has already sold over a billion iPhones at this point. Billion with a B. That's a lot of potential for cracked screens. But if consumers can get their iPhones back faster, potentially cheaper, and like new, if they have a cracked screen, we say that's a good thing. We'll be keeping an eye on Apple on CNET.com. I'm Ashley Esqueda. Be good humans.