iFixit Launches Free iOS Repair App With AI-Powered FixBot

[MacRumors]

iFixit today announced the launch of a new iFixit app that's available to download from Apple's App Store (and the Play Store on Android devices). It includes all of the iFixit repair guides in a format that's ideal for mobile devices, along with a workbench that keeps track of repairs, a battery lifespan predictor, and an AI repair buddy called FixBot.

The iFixit repair app is able to monitor an iPhone's battery in real time, providing graphs of how a battery deteriorates over time. The graphs provide users with advanced notice of when a battery might need to be replaced.

FixBot is able to provide AI assistance to solve issues with smartphones, laptops, tablets, and more. Users can describe a problem with text or voice, and FixBot will provide help with diagnosis and repair. FixBot can respond to questions verbally for hands-free use, and there's also an option to share images with the AI.

iFixit says that FixBot is trained on millions of successful iFixit community repairs rather than generic information, which makes it a useful repair tool. FixBot is available in the iFixit app, and it can also be used on iFixit's website.

The app includes all of iFixit's repair guides, but it is aware of what smartphone the user has and will default to showing repair information for that device for quick information on fixes.

There are options for purchasing repair parts directly from iFixit, with the app able to check for device compatibility before a purchase is made.

iFixit did have an app that was available up until 2015, but Apple pulled it from the App Store after iFixit tore down an Apple TV developer kit. Apple said that iFixit violated the Apple terms of service with the teardown, and banned the iFixit developer account. Ten years later, iFixit was allowed to return to the App Store.

The iFixit app can be downloaded from the App Store for free, and more information on the app is available on iFixit's website. Access to FixBot is free for now, and later, there will be both a free version and a $4.99 per month Enthusiast plan with document uploads.

Article Link: iFixit Launches Free iOS Repair App With AI-Powered FixBot

 

[MrRom92]

That’s pretty cool. My 14PM battery health has greatly diminished, to 75% now. In almost 20 years of owning an iPhone I’ve never changed a battery even once but this is also the longest I’ve ever kept a phone, so I’ve been considering doing it soon. So I can be somewhat less reliant on power banks to get through a short outing. This could be helpful

 

[spartan1967]

Just like with video games, the independent mods always do it better than the maker themselves.

 

[abatabia]

Took them long enough!

 

[dmr727]

What kind of laptop is that in the top picture? Replaceable memory and SSD? Inconceivable!

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

That’s pretty cool. My 14PM battery health has greatly diminished, to 75% now. In almost 20 years of owning an iPhone I’ve never changed a battery even once but this is also the longest I’ve ever kept a phone, so I’ve been considering doing it soon. So I can be somewhat less reliant on power banks to get through a short outing. This could be helpful

I've been running workshops all year teaching people to fix iPhones with iFixit gear. You can do it.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I've been running workshops all year teaching people to fix iPhones with iFixit gear. You can do it.

It's pretty easy if you have a steady hand. At my last job, I replaced several batteries and a few screens for people that I worked with. In-between physician calls and other pharmacy stuff, I would have 2-3 phones disassembled on my desk.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

This is neat, especially on iPad.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

What kind of laptop is that in the top picture? Replaceable memory and SSD? Inconceivable!

Looks like a Lenovo with a 5G cell card.

 

[555gallardo]

I think even AI sceptics will agree that this particular assistant will prove useful.

 

[kotaKat]

I notice that they seem to mention “OEM service manuals” will be gated behind the paid tier.

That’s a bit unfortunate if this is going to be the turn of iFixit starting to gatekeep repair content in any form.

 

[TheBeverage]

This seems like a pretty poor use case for LLMs, minor hallucinations could result in destroying your device.

 

[lazyrighteye]

iFixit is great. I’ve used them a few times. Never knew to think about them for repairs outside of “tech.” Cool to see them expand their operation in this way.

For Xmas, my 15 yo is getting my Apple Watch s5 hand-me-down (I finally upgraded to a Black Friday price-reduce s11). My s5 is in mint condition - save a battery that needs two full charges to get through one day. I bought a battery replacement kit through iFixit as a gift for him (battery, gasket, tools. etc.). He loves to tinker and will likely enjoy the challenge. It’s kind of fun - he’s my new go-to for that type of work. While I like tinkering, my dexterity and aging eye don’t do as well with all these tiny parts. Plus, it’s fun watching his tinker muscles develop. 💪

 

[epox999]

FYI for first time users: App requires an iFixit account to access any information or to even launch the app

 

[trip1ex]

...even iFixit loves the smell of garbage in the morning.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

FYI for first time users: App requires an iFixit account to access any information or to even launch the app

No you don't. I can see the full guide for replacing an iPhone 14 battery, and I don't have an account. I don't know about using their app...didn't even know they had one.

iPhone 14 Battery Replacement

Use this guide to replace a worn-out or dead battery in your iPhone 14. iPhone batteries are rated to hold 80% of their capacity for up to 500...

www.ifixit.com

 

[Non-Euclidean]

FYI for first time users: App requires an iFixit account to access any information or to even launch the app

And ... That about covers the flybys.

 

[rjjacobson]

No you don't. I can see the full guide for replacing an iPhone 14 battery, and I don't have an account. I don't know about using their app...didn't even know they had one.

iPhone 14 Battery Replacement

Use this guide to replace a worn-out or dead battery in your iPhone 14. iPhone batteries are rated to hold 80% of their capacity for up to 500...

www.ifixit.com

And you can use the login with Apple keeping info private rather than regular email account.

 

[AppleWes]

That’s a bit unfortunate if this is going to be the turn of iFixit starting to gatekeep repair content in any form.

Nothing is stopping you from sending money to them so their work will be free for the rest of us.

 

[Rayansb]

I got excited for a second I thought it could fix iOS.

 

[thewebb]

That’s pretty cool. My 14PM battery health has greatly diminished, to 75% now. In almost 20 years of owning an iPhone I’ve never changed a battery even once but this is also the longest I’ve ever kept a phone, so I’ve been considering doing it soon. So I can be somewhat less reliant on power banks to get through a short outing. This could be helpful

I just replaced the aging battery on my 15PM. It's easier than you think, just follow the guide step by step. Also, when opening the phone make sure to either use heat or use alcohol and be patient but it will open eventually. Make sure to get new adhesive for the frame to preserve the water resistance. iFixit's kit doesn't come with it even though I think it should. They're like $5 on Amazon.

 

[Alameda]

Took them long enough!

Somebody's always gotta be the hater.

 

[MrRom92]

I just replaced the aging battery on my 15PM. It's easier than you think, just follow the guide step by step. Also, when opening the phone make sure to either use heat or use alcohol and be patient but it will open eventually. Make sure to get new adhesive for the frame to preserve the water resistance. iFixit's kit doesn't come with it even though I think it should. They're like $5 on Amazon.

Thank you, I got a kit for free and it appears to include it so I think I should be set - assuming the kit’s parts are good quality!

 

[mzeb]

As someone who repaired Apple laptops as a side hustle for a minute I’m happy to see ifixit back on the App Store and able to share all their guides to more folks!

 

[titanium alloy]

cant wait for it to hallucinate the steps and effectively make me ruin my expensive device