iFixit Lowers iPhone 14's Repairability Score Due to Apple's Parts Pairing Requirement

[LogicalApex]

I wouldn't mind if you could buy parts from anywhere, but Apple would deny use of parts that were reported stolen. That way you keep a fair and open market for parts but also clamp down on theft. If repair shops are picking up stolen merch, that needs to stop, but there also needs to be general availability of parts at fair prices - and it should be possible for me to kitbash two of my own devices together into one working device if they're broken in different ways.

Who decides what a fair price is? That is the challenge that would never get reconciled.

Server side validation of parts aren’t new. My BMW has a fair number of parts that the car will not accept unless they contain an encrypted validation file from BMW AG in Germany. So pulling the part off a car in a junkyard or a third party isn’t going to work.

BMW doesn’t sell their parts at what I assume you call a “fair price”. My right headlight is an LED based light that BMW charges $7K for if one of the LEDs die out. And it is one of those parts that need to be “coded” when replaced.

And cars are the poster child of right to repair due to strong laws and parts networks in place.

 

[WrenVictus]

p.s. iFixit has stopped giving repairability scores for devices made by companies whose partners they are.

It looks like they've just stopped doing scores altogether. Their last non-Apple score was in 2022 for the Samsung S22. Doing some further digging I found a repairability score of 3 for the S22. A score of 5 for the Galaxy Buds2. 2 for the Surface Duo.
Here's their page listing scores for smartphones. https://www.ifixit.com/repairability/smartphone-scores
And most of their new teardowns are videos instead of proper articles. What a disappointment.

 

[deevey]

And yet iPhone theft hasn't decreased one bit since Apple instituted this new scheme.

"Since the implementation of the “kill switch” last year, iPhone robbery-related crimes have dropped significantly across the world. From report released by the New York Times, iPhone theft in London has fallen 24%, San Francisco by 38%, and New York by 19%" - NYT

Once word gets widespread about module serialization I would imagine it will have the same effect.

Furthermore it's only iDevices that have this issue. Swap a port, or a battery or the entire screen on even the latest M2 Mac, and you aren't faced with any of this BS.

It's unlikely that your iMac is going to be snatched walking down the street now is it ?

 

[iBluetooth]

Changing a screen, camera or a back cover has nothing to do with the way how data is encrypted on your iPhone.

On previous phones the fingerprint was in the screen. You can always pick out some components and say that they don't provide security, but it doesn't mean that the security risk is over stated!

 

[allenvanhellen]

Repairability is important, but software updates (especially security certificates) are just as big a deal. I can still use my 2011 MacBook Air for many tasks because I can install third-party browsers, etc.

 

[adb1973]

Wow... I'm a bit overwhelmed by the iFixit bashing. Of course they have their own businessmodel but I really understand their decision.

Yes there's the legitimate concern of counterfeit or (really less likely given the amount of labour) stolen parts. But Apple is really making it harder than necessary to repair a broken phone with an original spare part. Everything in their procedures is breathing the narrative 'how can we legally comply and practically destroy the use of people's right to repair'.
Batteries, screens and back covers should and could all be easily user replaceable even without losing water proofing. My 20atm diver watch is so why not my phone.
Security for most parts other than the logic board, cam and fingerprint sensor should be and could be made a non issue. It really is monopoly powerplay...

 

[ssspinball]

and it should be possible for me to kitbash two of my own devices together into one working device if they're broken in different ways.

How do you do this without opening a massive hole for stolen iPhones (that are iCloud locked) to be sold for parts?

I mean I’d like everything to be possible AND stolen phones to be worthless, but there’s clearly a trade off there!

 

[Moka Akashiya]

I genuinely don’t understand what the problem is. Independent shops can become official repair shops quite easily - then they just can’t use third party parts or parts whose origin is “unknown”.

And then you cannot get specific component from broken donor device (like specific chip from motherboard), because apple does not sells it, so you need to buy from apple much bigger part, and pay much more as consumer. Now you undestand?

 

[Art Mark]

Can't wait for iFixit to start reviewing heart stents, X-ray machines...you know, if a device can't be opened and screwed with by your drunk uncle it gets a low score...

 

[Apleeseed84]

Repairability is important, but software updates (especially security certificates) are just as big a deal. I can still use my 2011 MacBook Air for many tasks because I can install third-party browsers, etc.

I literally just restored my 6th gen Ipod classic. I replaced the exterior chrome shell, the casing, the buttons, the headphone jack, upgraded the internal memory and swapped out the screens and it looks like I bought yesterday literally. 95% of the parts were third party, but not going to lie it looks beautiful. Stuff will work, I use my old iphone 4s to play old ios games before the 64bit switch, so it works out.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

...They will also make the process so expensive, time-consuming and convoluted that you'd opt to just take it to an Apple store to be fixed anyway.

Malicious Compliance 101.

Apple does not want you to fix your own stuff even if they act like it.

Either a person wants to fix their own phone or they don’t. Some people will have the money, time and skill to do so, some won’t.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Wow... I'm a bit overwhelmed by the iFixit bashing. Of course they have there own businessmodel but I really understand their decision.

Do you understand the decision to not rate those companies they are partners with? Like, right now, if Apple were to partner with them the ratings would be gone overnight. Is that a company folks should trust? Is this article them trying to force Apple to sign up for their protection plan?

“Would really hate to see your repairability score drop!”

 

[bousozoku]

Yep.

In NY the theft and sale of auto parts was so big that now if you buy a salvage car and want to register it, you need to show where you bought all the parts before DMV will give you a registration.

That doesn't surprise me. I witnessed people stripping abandoned cars on the Cross-Bronx Expressway/I-95, back in 1988. We were only going about 25 MPH, but I hoped that no one would try to strip the moving cars.

On the Apple front, I remember trying to get my iPhone 7 display and Home button assembly replaced and the closest authorized repair shop would need a day or two because the parts and the configuration device were at another location.

 

[eicca]

Either a person wants to fix their own phone or they don’t. Some people will have the money, time and skill to do so, some won’t.

The entire point of fixing something myself is to save money by eliminating the need for the “skilled OEM service.”

Like the BMW transmission my friend and I fixed last weekend for a total of $200 instead of the $6k dealer cost.

Imagine if BMW made it so the only way to replace the failed rubber o-rings, which cost $40, was to then recalibrate the whole transmission with the $8k DIY tool that only they sell. Downright evil and manipulative.

Apple is blatantly hosing over skilled people just to get their money.

It should never EVER cost more to NOT use the factory service. Thats a blatant infringement on freedom of choice and a despicable move by Apple.

 

[Shirasaki]

Ok, I can see lots of hate towards iFixit and distrust on Right to Repair in general, every time similar Threads pop up.

I personally have no idea about iFixit ethic and their business deals with others, but such hate feels a bit bizarre when they are certainly not the only independent repair shop. Regardless, it seems that Apple users tend to favor throwing the entire electronics away even though a couple resistors are broken, or discard a washing machine when the touch screen is not working properly, rather than trying to fix it.

Yes, modern electronics are so much more complicated compared to 1980, 1990 days, but shouldn’t landfill be our concern as well?

Anyway, device Repair should not be made difficult. The best way to do that is engineering a product that’s easy to repair to begin with, not by limiting people’s repair options and charge exorbitant prices on otherwise simple repair.

 

[NT1440]

Why do these threads constantly dismiss the documented reality that Intelligence Services across the world are in play when these considerations are made?

The Tailored Access Operations group was written about well over a decade ago, and we’ve seen since then a concerted effort around the world to weaken encryption. Apples part paring process, in my opinion, is a direct response to *that*. But instead it’s a nefarious plan to screw consumers…by making the longest lasting devices in their categories? By requiring components that deal directly with sensitive biometrics (the screen’s FaceID assembly, Touch ID, the camera components) to be verified during repair Apple has done us all a favor. There’s a reason they were the first to encrypt data transmission *between on-device components*, they actually do care about security.

NSA 'hacking unit' infiltrates computers around the world – report

NSA says Tailored Access Operations is a 'unique national asset' as former NSA chief calls Edward Snowden a 'traitor'

amp.theguardian.com

 

[Unregistered 4U]

The entire point of fixing something myself is to save money by eliminating the need for the “skilled OEM service.”

Right to Repair, according to repair.org, is about:
“Modern equipment often includes proprietary technology parts. Manufacturers restrict access to repair services, claiming potential violations of their rights. In truth, this is a marketing strategy, as the law doesn't grant manufacturers control over property post-sale. Such limitations affect equipment trade in the used market.”

As of the end of 2022, not only does one have access to the parts Apple uses, but can also use the expensive custom equipment that makes the repair, for anyone with the skill and means to do so, possible. These are the fruits of the RTR movement, to provide access to the same tools and proprietary parts and the required information to use the parts and tools. Nothing in it indicates that the parts and tools have to be cheap, although I can see why folks without a great deal of money would want it to be cheap.

Those that simply take joy in repairing their own devices have likely already ordered their kits and enjoyed the experience!

 

[eicca]

Right to Repair, according to repair.org, is about:
“Modern equipment often includes proprietary technology parts. Manufacturers restrict access to repair services, claiming potential violations of their rights. In truth, this is a marketing strategy, as the law doesn't grant manufacturers control over property post-sale. Such limitations affect equipment trade in the used market.”

As of the end of 2022, not only does one have access to the parts Apple uses, but can also use the expensive custom equipment that makes the repair, for anyone with the skill and means to do so, possible. These are the fruits of the RTR movement, to provide access to the same tools and proprietary parts and the required information to use the parts and tools. Nothing in it indicates that the parts and tools have to be cheap, although I can see why folks without a great deal of money would want it to be cheap.

Those that simply take joy in repairing their own devices have likely already ordered their kits and enjoyed the experience!

Making it more expensive for someone who has the skill to do it themselves is taxing them for being smarter and more industrious.

The whole point of LIFE and gaining skills is to use those skills to make and save more money.

Why bother getting smarter if doing so will just cost you more money? That’s an incredibly dangerous precedent for society as a whole.

Apple’s crooks have monetized those of us who are more skilled than the general populace.

Apple’s self-repair program is greedy and malicious. The end.

 

[Rob198612]

Can’t wait to see 15 pro max tear down!!!

 

[NT1440]

It looks like they've just stopped doing scores altogether. Their last non-Apple score was in 2022 for the Samsung S22. Doing some further digging I found a repairability score of 3 for the S22. A score of 5 for the Galaxy Buds2. 2 for the Surface Duo.
Here's their page listing scores for smartphones. https://www.ifixit.com/repairability/smartphone-scores
And most of their new teardowns are videos instead of proper articles. What a disappointment.

The switch to video is what killed iFixit being my go-to at the time. The leadership of the company unfortunately have moved into monetization mode and it’s bad sad to see the direction the company has gone in.

Big deals after PR campaigns with various companies like Google and Samsung, which is admirable, but where is the outrage from iFixit that the Google Watch literally doesn’t have any type of repair process whatsoever??

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/unlike-apple-watch-google-will-not-repair-broken-pixel-watches.2402480/

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Apple’s self-repair program is greedy and malicious. The end.

And, supports the tenets of the Right To Repair movement.

 

[eicca]

And, supports the tenets of the Right To Repair movement.

Did you not read a word I said? Clearly not.

Malicious compliance is all it is.

Their actions, the implementation of their self-repair program, show they clearly are not interested in actually helping people.

They are not in support of right to repair.

And yes, I know they supported the bill in California. But until their self-repair program actually enables self-repair instead of monetizes it in a predatory fashion, they are not even sort of the good guys all you apologists keep trying to convince yourselves that they are.

Why would they suddenly do a complete 180 and support legislation that every molecule of that company is fundamentally opposed to?

 

[kr4magel]

Apple is the ultimate definition of greed. This is an extension of that. It's done to have a monopoly over the replacement parts, forcing you to buy from Apple. It denies the customer the right to source parts for themselves.

They will continue on this route and eventually brick your devices if its not repaired with their parts and paired with their servers.

 

[NT1440]

Making it more expensive for someone who has the skill to do it themselves is taxing them for being smarter and more industrious.

The whole point of LIFE and gaining skills is to use those skills to make and save more money.

Why bother getting smarter if doing so will just cost you more money? That’s an incredibly dangerous precedent for society as a whole.

Apple’s crooks have monetized those of us who are more skilled than the general populace.

Apple’s self-repair program is greedy and malicious. The end.

“ The whole point of LIFE and gaining skills is to use those skills to make and save more money.”

What a bleak outlook.

 

[svish]

Apple's self repair is not easy to use for end consumers. Seems like the best way to repair is to take it to Apple directly