Apple Announces Self Service Repair Program, Starting With iPhone 12 and 13

[duervo]

I thought hell would freeze over before Apple made us repair our own devices that we paid for with our own money. What a massive W for #RightToRepair!

It’ll likely significantly hamper the chances of #RightToRepair laws being passed. So a “win” in one aspect, but not so much in another aspect if it keeps laws from being passed.

I view this as Apple’s calculated move to head #RightToRepair off at the pass. Give their customers an option in a situation where it’s increasingly known that you can replace your own batteries and displays with parts from places like iFixit and their guides. An option where Apple will continue to gain additional revenue, as well as goodwill from the public (a PR win.)

To put it another way: Apple made the choice to do this, rather then continue to resist and risk being forced to do so by law. It’s always better to choose in such a scenario, especially if it takes the wind out of the litigation sails. They can always discontinue it a few years later, once the #RightToRepair crowd scatter and move on to other things, and the public forgets it was even a thing. Won’t be able to do that if there are laws requiring it.

It’s the next logical step for them to take, given the increased traction it’s been getting across the U.S.

I wouldn’t be surprised if John Deere (and other companies that operate like them) jumps on board with a similar program eventually.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

If parts are more expensive than the Apple repair cost. What’s the point?

Unlikely they will be, people who like to complain are just trying to think of ways to preemptively complain about this

 

[AdonisSMU]

It’ll likely significantly hamper the chances of #RightToRepair laws being passed. So a “win” in one aspect, but not so much in another aspect if it keeps laws from being passed.

I view this as Apple’s calculated move to head #RightToRepair off at the pass. Give their customers an option in a situation where it’s increasingly known that you can replace your own batteries and displays with parts from places like iFixit and their guides. An option where Apple will continue to gain additional revenue, as well as goodwill from the public (a PR win.)

To put it another way: Apple made the choice to do this, rather then continue to resist and risk being forced to do so by law. It’s always better to choose in such a scenario, especially if it takes the wind out of the litigation sails. They can always discontinue it a few years later, once the #RightToRepair crowd scatter and move on to other things, and the public forgets it was even a thing. Won’t be able to do that if there are laws requiring it.

It’s the next logical step for them to take, given the increased traction it’s been getting across the U.S.

I wouldn’t be surprised if John Deere (and other companies that operate like them) jumps on board with a similar program eventually.

I agree. It makes sense for Apple to come up with at least a few things people can do to maintain their phones given the state of things right now in terms of the regulatory environment and the waste. It also gives people another ecosystem lock in. They can make up differences in terms of services and other good will. Apple generally likes to be in control.

 

[Waragainstsleep]

AASPs doing iPhone service have to provide all sorts of details from the customer including the IMEI number of the phone to be repaired and then they have to order parts in. I've heard complaints that parts could take a week to arrive but I don't know if thats hyperbole or not. When I was working in an AASP parts were next day if you ordered before 12. I can't imagine Apple's logistics have gotten worse, only better. So if its taking a week to get a part, thats deliberate on Apple's part.

Time, effort and price are the three ways Apple are likely to render this program less useful that it sounds on paper. Who knows which they'll choose?

I'll say it again though: Apple is heading for a subscription hardware model. Once they do that, repairs cease to be an issue and you really never do own your devices. Theres an upside to that though. If Apple is having to pay for all the repairs and theres no point in anyone else doing them, its in their interests to make everything indestructible.

 

[zoozx]

Good move by Apple though a bit late to the movement party.

Like a few YEARS!....

 

[IIGS User]

Big wow!

 

[nebojsak]

So...

Now grandmas and dumb users will have an opportunity to repair their walled garden phones themselves? ?

 

[Pilot Jones]

I guess hell really did freeze over.

Kudos Apple. This is far beyond what damn near anyone was expecting you to do ???

 

[rezenclowd3]

It sounds like you were using the regular repair service for individual consumers to repair a large amount of machines for a business instead of using their dedicated business channel for purchase/repairs/deployment. No wonder they blacklisted you. It looks suspicious if a single customer (and later different individuals from the same address) is constantly coming in for repairs for a large number of machines. Apple probably thought you were an illegitimate repair shop or dealing with stolen goods.

And why care? The repairs were getting paid for.

 

[szw-mapple fan]

And why care? The repairs were getting paid for.

They probably didn't want to be involved if they thought you were doing some illegitimate things, for example over-charging as a third party repair shop and using them to do repairs or reselling OEM parts and using repairs as a way to source legitimate parts. Using different people to do the same thing after you were blacklisted probably reinforced their suspicions. It's also a hassle for them to be dealing with a large number of machines through consumer channels that are built to do individual repairs.

 

[Pro Apple Silicon]

Classic sign of an argument without substance.

I'm not the one pretending to know what Apple engineering could do.

 

[rezenclowd3]

They probably didn't want to be involved if they thought you were doing some illegitimate things, for example over-charging as a third party repair shop and using them to do repairs or reselling OEM parts and using repairs as a way to source legitimate parts. Using different people to do the same thing after you were blacklisted probably reinforced their suspicions. It's also a hassle for them to be dealing with a large number of machines through consumer channels that are built to do individual repairs.

Over charging is not their concern nor business. And if the computer is under warranty they should honor it and they refused to. As IT I used to run a PSP as well, Apple was abusive then and even more so now.

 

[Pman17]

The word is out. A mutual fund forced their hand. Money talks.

 

[lovehateapple]

If parts are more expensive than the Apple repair cost. What’s the point?

I think you missed my point. The cost of the parts has to be included in the total cost to repair. My point was if the total cost to repair including parts is too close to the cost to replace, the decision to replace with new will be easy.

 

[Christoffee]

That's up to the shop. Most shops are going to turn away that kind of business (try bringing containers of motor oil and an oil filter to your local auto shop) - it's simply not as profitable as supplying (and marking-up) both parts and labor. Given a preference for what jobs to take on, they're not likely to accept a job that is substantially less profitable.

Now, I've done plenty of "skilled amateur" repairs for friends and family - typical home handyman stuff, as well as some computer repair. I'm not in it to make a profit, so whether someone hands me the parts or I buy them and get reimbursed, there's no mark-up on that cost.

I was also hungry enough, in my youth, to do freelance, labor-only repair/installation work in various recording studios - I charged for the time I spent on purchasing, but my client paid the suppliers directly. I didn't have the money to pay the suppliers in advance and then wait for my client to pay me at the end of the job. I also didn't do a sufficient volume in parts and electronics gear to qualify for a contractors discount.

But basically, once the enterprise scales up from "skilled individual working from home" to "friendly repair shop," the economics necessarily change. Rent, insurance, salaries, etc. take the "labor rate" paid from "100% profit" to a substantially lower percentage. Without the sale and markup of parts, the typical repair shop would quickly go out of business.

I understand.

Most of the repair shops in my area, near London in the UK, are largely secondhand electronics stores. When you want a repair you walk in and they do it there and then. The last repairs on my 6S were a camera for £25 and a battery for £30. I am more than happy to pay someone £20 for fitting only.

 

[MacBH928]

I can see the prices "$500 original Apple replacement battery"

This was not on my Apple bingo card.

(but RIP poor iFixit. Getting Sherlocked suuuucks)

iFixit does a lot more than Apple repair

 

[deevey]

Before anyone starts celebrating, lets wait for the pricing.

My iMac logicboard fried a couple years back after 13 months (no Applecare ?) cost to replace it via authorized service center: $600 inc. labor and 6mths warranty on parts.

Ebay cost for a second hand logic board of unknown origin $400 + shipping

I'd guess authorized stores will be able to get the parts at a much bigger discount than alternative repair shops making the final cost to customer using official Apple parts "cheaper" solely based on labor.

 

[grobik]

I want to see the legal agreement you have to sign when performing surgery on your own device? I’d be super surprised if they warranteed anything after you order a part.

 

[Waragainstsleep]

I'm not the one pretending to know what Apple engineering could do.

You're pretending to know what they can't do which is no different really. The different part is that I'm backing up my "pretending" with reasoning, qualification and experience.

Could they use different sizes and types of screws? Obviously. Could they use weaker adhesives or more screws? Of course they could. They've done it in the past. In fact the newest MacBook Pros have the pull tab adhesives on the batteries instead of the kind that needs industrial solvents to release them. So they absolutely can do the things I say they can. There is no big stretches being made here. Unlike you, I have a very good idea what I'm talking about.

 

[Nikita_K]

Apple today announced the "Self Service Repair" program, allowing users to complete their own repairs via a new online store dedicated to parts and tools.

The Self Service Repair program will give customers who are comfortable with the idea of completing their own repairs access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and manuals, starting with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineups. The scheme will be introduced in phases, adding more repairs and supported devices over time. Apple chief operating officer Jeff Williams said:

The first phase of the program will focus on the iPhone's most commonly serviced parts, such as the display, battery, and camera, but more kinds of repairs will become available later next year. Apple silicon Macs with the M1 chip, including the MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and 24-inch iMac, will be next to join the scheme.

The Self Service Repair program will be facilitated by a new Apple Self Service Repair Online Store, offering more than 200 individual parts and tools to complete iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 repairs at launch.

Customers who want to perform a repair will first be encouraged to consult the Repair Manual before placing an order for parts and tools using the Apple Self Service Repair Online Store. After the repair has been completed, customers who return their used or broken part to Apple for recycling will receive credit toward their purchase.

Apple cautioned that Self Service Repair is intended for "individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices," and encouraged "the vast majority of customers" to visit a professional repair provider with certified technicians for "the safest and most reliable way to get a repair."

The company also highlighted the significant global expansion of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, as well as the growing number of Independent Repair Providers that sit alongside Apple Authorized Service Providers.

The Self Service Repair program will be available to users starting early next year in the U.S. and expand to additional countries throughout 2022.

Article Link: Apple Announces Self Service Repair Program, Starting With iPhone 12 and 13

Why is her (his? whatever) hand is attached to the pad?

 

[Dev4Life]

I’m not ready to praise Apple until the program officially opens and we see what is really happening. In my opinion, this is just a PR move to stall right to repair legislation. Let’s see what happens next year…

 

[0924487]

Unlikely they will be, people who like to complain are just trying to think of ways to preemptively complain about this

If you studied Economics, you can analyze why Apple introduced this now. In Economics, it's all about incentives.

 

[TeamMojo]

Fantastic. This is a great win for those who are capable of fixing their own devices and simultaneously a great slap down for Kyle Weins and his ridiculous Right to Repair manifestos. If you want to take a shot at a repair, great.
But forcing manufacturers to comply with iFixit’s demands is a thinly disguised plan to enrich iFixit just like Simpson routinely lobbies for new building codes so that they benefit from those new regulations. You don’t have a right to repair.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

If you studied Economics, you can analyze why Apple introduced this now. In Economics, it's all about incentives.

😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

That is exactly the type of reply I expect on the internet these days. Everyone thinks they are in expert in everything because of a piece of paper they may or may not have.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

This is a great win for those who are capable of fixing their own devices

This. Hard for anyone to dispute that.