Apple Adding iPhone 5 and Additional Macs to Pilot Program Allowing Repairs of Select 'Vintage' Products

[PickUrPoison]

Of course it is. It’s an attempt to cushion political disagreement with their current monopoly on service repairs.

Apple’s “technicians” don’t repair defects. They perform expensive shotgun part replacements. Instead of replacing a problematic part, they replace an entire assembly. I doubt you’d find a solder iron in their shop.

You expect technicians capable of performing competent-level repairs in a retail store environment? No consumer electronics company offers that, and expecting that is unreasonable.

Good luck finding someone that’s capable of component-level troubleshooting at an independent shop, too. It takes a lot more skill and equipment than you might imagine.

 

[Wanted797]

At Apple, we believe that our computers belong in the landfill after a few years of use, and that our customers should just buy a new one instead of selling it or giving it to a less needy family member. Did your battery die? Time to buy a new computer. Oh you want the battery replaced? Too bad, we don't do that. Oh, you want someone else to replace the battery? Haha! Too bad, we've made that illegal.

Because here at Apple, we believe you're our b*tch, and you do as we say. Now, go and buy the new MacBook Glue. It's an iPad with a keyboard, sort of. But for twice the price. And best of all? There is no way anyone can ever repair it. Not even us. Yep, the new MacBook Glue. It's made of mostly glue! Starting at only $1799 if you're okay with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It has one USB port. Shut up. It's rose gold.

I get what you’re saying and I hate the whole RAM situation. But remember this only happens after 5 years! That’s a decent life for a laptop and even hen it’s not going to suddenly die once it’s no longer serviceable. I have a 2011 13” MacBook Pro and it’s still a great machine. I woudn’t get that from a PC countender.

 

[PG(Austin)]

2011, 12, 13 'Vintage'? My daily use 2008 aluminum unibody Macbook must be positively archaic then.

 

[Defthand]

You expect technicians capable of performing competent-level repairs in a retail store environment? No consumer electronics company offers that, and expecting that is unreasonable.

Good luck finding someone that’s capable of component-level troubleshooting at an independent shop, too. It takes a lot more skill and equipment than you might imagine.

That’s my point. Apple’s retail “technicians” aren’t qualified or equipped to pinpoint the actual flaw. Instead, they perform wholesale assembly replacements. So, why should Apple—and their franchised partners—be the exclusive service providers for out-of-warranty devices? Why is Apple installing DRM technology that thwarts any attempt to repair those devices without Apple’s consent? (Note: In a recent win for Right To Repair advocates, the Feds ruled that it is legal to hack those systems).

You have a better chance of saving money, or salvaging an investment, with independent repair services. Are you acquainted with Louis Rossman? His YouTube blog demonstrates how Apple’s so-called genuises can’t troubleshoot even basic possible causes, such as a loose video cable.

Here’s a telling undercover story by CBC News:

Consumer electronics and appliances manufacturers offer **** warranties even for expensive premium products. Hell, I had to sue Mitsubishi over a $3,500 DLP TV that had an engineering flaw that surfaced for every owner after one year.

I also wasn’t about to throw out a ~$1,000 clothes dryer when it broke within a few years. I troubleshooted it myself with zero electronics training. The directions for using the built-in diagnostics tool were on a dicument tucked behind an access panel. The tool said the motherboard was faulty. Unfortunately, that is a $400 part. I noticed a large relay switch was soldered on the board. In my experience, relay switches were a common failure in car wiring, so I gambled and ordered one for $12. A local auto audio technician soldered it on the board for me for $10. It worked. Instead of $400, I spent $22. Most homeowners would have scoffed at $400 (plus labor) and bought a new machine for $$$ more.

 

[charlituna]

The MacPro (late 2103) that is currently sold will be old enough to be considered vintage in about one year!

Nope. It’s based on the date of the model being discontinued. So since it’s currently being sold it won’t be ‘vintage’ until at least 2023 (assuming they kill it by the end of this year)

 

[beq]

What’s the easiest way to check which local Apple Store still has inventory for the vintage part you want to replace?

I know someone who wants to replace battery for the MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2012). I think it was supposed to have been $129, but she waited too long and was recently turned away from one Apple Store.

 

[Tech198]

At one point vintage parts/products die. so I dunno why Apple wants to keep helping users out of obviously deceased products.. All in the name of being an Apple user, but no other company does that.

Eventually this cannot last forever, and Apple will have to let go of the 'hangman'.

 

[AppleHaterLover]

Why would I take an iPhone 5 (currently worth about $40 or so) to be repaired by Apple?

 

[Dosahka]

At Apple, we believe that our computers belong in the landfill after a few years of use,...

First of all, i understand your sarcasm (even your signature). But...
Apple machines are fare more recyclable than any non-apple laptop (at least what i know of), and i have a 17-inch MBP which serviced 4 times (yes graphics card 3 times and battery once [i need a new one soon again]) i love this machine, but the time passed on this "Old but not obsolete" machine
One more thing, why ppl does not whine about the Dell XPS laptop's soldered memory? oh wait it's nearly has the same price as a MBP, wow
Also every apple store on the world only using electricity from renewable sources.
Spend some time on this page and read what they do and how they do it and since when...read the PDFs as well
https://www.apple.com/uk/environment/

...and that our customers should just buy a new one instead of selling it or giving it to a less needy family member...

If a new OS version no longer supports your machine (like my 17-inch MBP) it will not cease to operate...and will not be waterproof with updates, too.
Where you can see a vendor which supports a 7 years old (or older like a Mac Pro with Metal capable GPU) machine with drivers and software updates? (probably Dell the only one who does more than 2-3 years)

Did your battery die? Time to buy a new computer. Oh you want the battery replaced? Too bad, we don't do that. Oh, you want someone else to replace the battery? Haha! Too bad, we've made that illegal.

Fortunately that will not apply to old machines (you still get batteries for them for a nice price), for the new ones apple replace them if you want to (or with the 'Exchange program') also you can buy the parts online from trusted sources, but you have to be techy to do it by yourself.

Because here at Apple, we believe you're our b*tch, and you do as we say. Now, go and buy the new MacBook Glue. It's an iPad with a keyboard, sort of. But for twice the price. And best of all? There is no way anyone can ever repair it. Not even us. Yep, the new MacBook Glue. It's made of mostly glue! Starting at only $1799 if you're okay with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It has one USB port. Shut up. It's rose gold.

While you are right and i have the same feelings, it is not that simple (probably Louis Rossmann has more experience on glued Apple devices and will disagree with me).
While it is bad for customer (can't do some DIY repair) it's good for them, i think they are planning to get all of these repairs done by only Apple (3rd party screens ceased to work on iPhone 5/5s), and with glue, they are saving space (yes no screws, bit more space, less manufacturing time, angry customer), but on the bright side, they are replacing the whole unit if it's under warranty and confident that not damaged by external forces (dropping down, used as a chopping table, put into dishwasher). And you can ask for "24 hour service" which means bring it Monday afternoon and you can pick it up early Tuesday morning, they have this and the Genius will tell you when this is possible.
I work where i have to go to the Apple store (3-4 times a week) to service iPads, iPhones, Macs and Genius guys/ladies at are generally try to solve your problem (and cool, kind and the ladies mostly hot if not gorgeous in the Apple Store where i usually go). (same as Dell when you call them and not chatting with ppl from India and god knows what country and copy-paste sections from user guide)
I can remember when they said we have to replace the whole unit, but it was free because Genius 'examined' and decided it is covered under warranty [while it wasn't obviously], i had a good talk before that with him.
Although in some case their hands are tied, but if you reach them nicely and with kindness they are one of the best, only once i had to call a Genius Manager (Genius guy was so nervous and failed in some many ways (turns out it was the guys very first day and i rained down hell on him) and then i apologised and told the Genius Manager that so sorry i had a long and exhausting bad day, he told me that next time just ask for him if i have to complicated problem with any Apple devices.
While i not agree what they do, but i can see their point too and usually when Apple planning something big, they are doing by small steps for something better. Like the new iPad Pro with USB Type C (finally) and FaceID works in any position (but not with the iPhone XS (Max)).
IMHO

I’m calling pro writer on this one. Or you’ve missed your calling.

Sarcasm with "pinch" of salt, but yea he talented i guess +1 for it.