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Apple Announces Self Service Repair Program, Starting With iPhone 12 and 13
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I think many naively think that Apple just needed to stick the parts on their website with a price attached and bob’s your uncle.
The reality is the sheer amount of preparation to making these parts available in a consumer friendly way with the appropriate tools, guidance materials, and online/phone/chat support is a huge undertaking for a company of Apple’s scale and takes a long time to develop and implement.
The fact that this program applies to the iPhone 12 onwards suggests that the design of the iPhone 12 incorporates elements to facilitate self-repair, and the iPhone 12 was probably designed 3 years ago now.
I think that since people can send back the damaged parts to Apple and Apple in the past has recycled electronics that its likely less parts will just be thrown into the trash.
The idea that repairing your own stuff also means people will not buy something new to replace it and then throw away also supports this idea.
However there is still going to be waste. Mostly from improper repairs or customers ordering parts that were not needed and just sitting on them.
All in all I still see this as a good thing. I only worry about people who replace their batteries. Remember the old plastic boxes batteries used to come in. Its because for a customer to handle a replaceable battery there had to be safety features in place. Apple decided to not do that which allowed them to make a bigger battery which in turn allowed them to have more power in the phone. They eventually moved to this model on the Macs as well.
Will be interested if batteries are allowed for repair (likely will) and how the language will be explained to the customer to protect them and Apple from stupid people who don’t respect the hazards that come with batteries.
They're getting ahead of right-to-repair legislation and anti-trust actions.
You have access to the internal documents on the prices? Cool. What parts specifically can we get and what does each one cost?
I mean I wouldn't, but I think you are taking my response out of context and too literally.
I already responded in this thread that the possibility of having a vendor repair too.
It’s about time! They need to update the software to accept parts though without using their special machine first.
Remember when “everyone” begged, nay demanded apple make an iPhone mini and then they finally did and it was so unpopular they had to discontinue it?
I predict a similar pattern here. They’ll probably keep it going for the PR, but I can’t see the vast majority of people ever going down this path.
I predict a similar pattern here. They’ll probably keep it going for the PR, but I can’t see the vast majority of people ever going down this path.
I wouldn't be surprised if the response is "welp...should've brought it in, instead!"
I could imagine this decision actually ending up resulting in more money to be made by Apple...and not because of the money being made by selling the parts. It'll come from the people who f**k up.
Hopefully Apple follows this up with devices that are designed to be easier to repair as well. The problem is devices are only getting more complex over time, which is a natural progression of technology. But there are some things that they could probably improve when it comes to access and glue.
Not sure if Apple saw the writing on the wall with right to repair or an opportunity to make money. Probably a mix of both. They’ll sell you the tools and the parts and the new iPhone once you screw it up beyond repair…
Not sure if Apple saw the writing on the wall with right to repair or an opportunity to make money. Probably a mix of both. They’ll sell you the tools and the parts and the new iPhone once you screw it up beyond repair…
Well, this was unexpected...
I am sure they will offer them a "reasonably priced" repair quote
I am sure they will offer them a "reasonably priced" repair quote
Wow...i guess we have airborne pork over frozen hades today.
First we get a computer with more functionality, now we get self repair parts?
I remember the pain I had sourcing a 12" torx driver back in the mid 1980's to repair my own Mac. Still have it around somewhere.
First we get a computer with more functionality, now we get self repair parts?
I remember the pain I had sourcing a 12" torx driver back in the mid 1980's to repair my own Mac. Still have it around somewhere.
With a repairability scale of 6 of 10, self repairing the 12 Pro Max would be challenging for most people, I'd wager, depending on what needs to be replaced. To say the 12 was designed to facilitate self repair is inaccurate.
This program is not for everyone. I think it's safe to say that it's not for most, but it's awesome to have the option. FINALLY!
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I don’t trust it, I wonder if there’s any warranty that covers your device after self repair if any.
Sympathies for the family tech guy who will have to repair phones for all uncles, aunts, grandparents, their friends etc.
Let’s see what happens when customers lose a couple of tiny nuts that have just rolled off the table.
I have an 18" #2 phillips screwdriver around here from fixing something myself. It does come in handy, actually, and is hard to lose because it's so damn big...
If they play it right, they could be set for pizza and beer for the rest of the year...
Having done many DIY repairs/upgrades to my own Macs, external rig, and some Android screens & stuff, having Apple parts available more will really benefit shops like iFixit or other indies and played right, increase revenues. They can offer choice between genuine and 2nd party parts. They do have irreplaceable experience though and just getting a part dropped off at the door and an online manual is hardly the same thing. Having parts AVAILABLE does not make the job any easier. I would never touch my 12, ever. I venture to guess something like 99% of users (at least phones) should step away from the idea they will easily replace cameras or even a battery or a screen.