iFixit Reduces Price of All DIY iPhone Battery Replacement Kits to $29 or Less

[MacRumors]

Yesterday, Apple responded to customer complaints about how the company handles power management features in older iPhone models and decided to reduce the price for out-of-warranty iPhone battery replacements from $79 to $29, beginning in late January and lasting through December 2018. In response, iFixit has decided to match that price point and lower the cost of every DIY iPhone battery fix kit to $29 or less.

iFixit's kits include every tool that you need to open up an iPhone and swap out an old battery for a new one, and includes coverage for the iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 6, 6 Plus, SE, 5, 5c, 5s, and 4s. Apple's lowered price covers "anyone with an iPhone 6 or later whose battery needs to be replaced," so iFixit's fix kits also include coverage for older iPhone models excluded from Apple's new program.

The difference with iFixit is that you'll have to upgrade and swap out the battery on your own -- unlike paying Apple to do it for you -- but iFixit explained a few benefits that its DIY fix kits offer.

When we ask our customers why they do the repair themselves rather than take it to Apple, they give us a few reasons:

- Convenience. No need to drive anywhere or wait in line; replace your battery from your kitchen.
- Availability. Many people don't live near an Apple Store, and don't have another option for same-day repair.
- Privacy. Some people aren't comfortable giving their device to someone else.
- Fun. It's interesting to open up your stuff, find out how it works, and make it function better.

iFixit mentioned that over the last week it has noticed a 3x increase in customers using the site to replace their batteries, and in the last month just over 170,000 people specifically used the iFixit iPhone 6 battery install guide. For all iPhone models, nearly 510,000 people learned how to replace their device's battery in the last month.

Article Link: iFixit Reduces Price of All DIY iPhone Battery Replacement Kits to $29 or Less

 

[Strelok]

Eh, I didn’t mind this before touchID, but now I’m not so keen on it. 8/8 Plus/X also aren’t going to be fun to open up.

 

[Nadir98]

Would rather have someone employed and trained by Apple to fix my device for me and prevent unnecessary damage and complications than fix it by my unqualified self.

 

[keysofanxiety]

Would rather have someone employed and trained by Apple to fix my device for me and prevent unnecessary damage and complications than fix it by my unqualified self.

Yep. I understand if you’re not close to a store but if you are then it’s a no brainer to go with Apple.

Sometimes the batteries may have expanded or there could be other complications to make it a little more difficult. If Apple bugger it up and can’t put it back together then they’ll give you a refurb. If you bugger it up then you’re buggered.

 

[69Mustang]

Yep. I understand if you’re not close to a store but if you are then it’s a no brainer to go with Apple.

Sometimes the batteries may have expanded or there could be other complications to make it a little more difficult. If Apple bugger it up and can’t put it back together then they’ll give you a refurb. If you bugger it up then you’re buggered.

But the question has been would Apple actually replace the battery. Anecdotes abound of Apple not replacing batteries because they didn't pass/fail (not sure what that one should be) the battery test.

 

[Archer1440]

What icrapit did over this “issue” was shoot themselves in the foot. Besides, what percentage of iPhone users will even attempt such a thing?

 

[maflynn]

Nice to see them lowering the price but two points.
First if they can afford to do this for this price, why charge so much before this? Secondly, I'd rather of Apple work on it and offer a warranty on the phone for the replacement.

 

[chrissoA]

If you DIY the battery replacement Apple will refuse to ever work on your phone again for any other out of warranty repair. Replaced my battery on my own and when I later wanted Apple to replace a cracked screen they refused to do so for this reason. There was nothing wrong with the third party battery, they just said that as soon as they saw that when opening the phone the policy is to refuse all service on the phone. Beware of this!!!!

 

[Archer1440]

If you DIY the battery replacement Apple will refuse to ever work on your phone again for any other out of warranty repair. Replaced my battery on my own and when I later wanted Apple to replace a cracked screen they refused to do so for this reason. There was nothing wrong with the third party battery, they just said that as soon as they saw that when opening the phone the policy is to refuse all service on the phone. Beware of this!!!!

Makes sense. Imagine the potential repercussions if said battery were to blow up after they worked on the screen.

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

Nice to see them lowering the price but two points.
First if they can afford to do this for this price, why charge so much before this? Secondly, I'd rather of Apple work on it and offer a warranty on the phone for the replacement.

How much was it before? while I agree why are they charging so much if they can lower the price dramatically, the short answer is you charge what people are willing to pay. Business 101, get as much profit out of a product you can. That’s why I always ask for a 10% discount in almost every purchase I make over $100. You’d be surprised how many stores do it.

 

[simonmet]

Yep. I understand if you’re not close to a store but if you are then it’s a no brainer to go with Apple.

Sometimes the batteries may have expanded or there could be other complications to make it a little more difficult. If Apple bugger it up and can’t put it back together then they’ll give you a refurb. If you bugger it up then you’re buggered.

Are you Australian? Hahaha

 

[Christoffee]

Isn’t time also a factor? Apple wanted to send my phone away for 3 days for a replacement. That’s why I opted to have mine done at an independent place.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

How much was it before? while I agree why are they charging so much if they can lower the price dramatically, the short answer is you charge what people are willing to play. Business 101, get as much profit out of a product you can. That’s why I always ask for a 10% discount in almost every purchase I make over $100. You’d be surprised how many stores do it.

I completely agree with this up until the last two sentences... can you give us some example exchanges on how those last two sentences work? What are you buying? From what store? Who are you actually talking to, and how do you avoid that being an awkward conversation?

I know that a lot of stores absolutely have the margins to do this. I had an idea for a product to sell at Best Buy, had a factory willing to make it for $12, and I wanted to sell it for $20. Talked with Best Buy and found they wanted 40% of the MSRP, which would have left me with nothing. Was told if I really wanted to make my product, sell it for $20, and make a profit, I was going to have to find a factory in China wiling to make the product for $4-6. But them having the margins doesn't mean the cashier is going to be able to offer me that 10% discount just because I ask for it.

 

[MjWoNeR]

I have replaced by myself batteries, screens and front glass for years, up to the iPhone 6. Now with the water resistance I’m not sure if I’d like to do it myself. Might get the courage up when the time comes, or I might just sell the X after 2 years and upgrade.

 

[maflynn]

I have replaced by myself batteries, screens and front glass for years, up to the iPhone 6. Now with the water resistance I’m not sure if I’d like to do it myself. Might get the courage up when the time comes, or I might just sell the X after 2 years and upgrade.

Simple question is why??? If apple is charging 29 dollars and the work will be warrantied, why risk doing it yourself. I don't understand

 

[Avieshek]

- Availability. Many people don’t live near an Apple Store, and don’t have another option for same-day repair.

Yet, India. No Apple Stores nor iFixit to claim that excuse.

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

I completely agree with this up until the last two sentences... can you give us some example exchanges on how those last two sentences work? What are you buying? From what store? Who are you actually talking to, and how do you avoid that being an awkward conversation?

I know that a lot of stores absolutely have the margins to do this. I had an idea for a product to sell at Best Buy, had a factory willing to make it for $12, and I wanted to sell it for $20. Talked with Best Buy and found they wanted 40% of the MSRP, which would have left me with nothing. Was told if I really wanted to make my product, sell it for $20, and make a profit, I was going to have to find a factory in China wiling to make the product for $4-6. But them having the margins doesn't mean the cashier is going to be able to offer me that 10% discount just because I ask for it.

Here is an example. I was at Home Depot the other day buying paint and other misc products. In total was about $200 all in. I simply asked the cashier can I get a discount on all of this, she said absolutely and proceeded to give me a 10% discount. I don’t bargain on food at the grocery store or anything but if dropping some coin I have no issues asking for a discount. Like I said I’m suprised on how often it works. I always ask for price matches and typically get those as well. It’s just being savvy and swollowing your pride when asking for discounts.

 

[asdavis10]

So iFixit has been price gouging. I need about 40-60 signatures on a petition to start my class action suit.

 

[OldSchoolMacGuy]

So iFixit has been price gouging. I need about 40-60 signatures on a petition to start my class action suit.

They've just been charging what people are willing to pay. You've long been able to get that same battery on eBay for like $5. With Apple lowering their price, iFixIt has to do the same.

 

[MjWoNeR]

Simple question is why??? If apple is charging 29 dollars and the work will be warrantied, why risk doing it yourself. I don't understand

Closest authorised service point is 65 miles one way. Closest Apple store is 100miles one way.

At this point Apple offers the discounted price only in the US? In Sweden the price listed on Apple’s website is still 805kr, so still at $79.

 

[Arran]

Would rather have someone employed and trained by Apple to fix my device for me and prevent unnecessary damage and complications than fix it by my unqualified self.

I’ve replaced iPhone batteries myself, but if the price is the same to have Apple do it and guarantee the work then Apple is where I’ll go in 2018.

I imagine Ifixit has to clear out stock ASAP and cancel/cut back all 2018 orders with their battery suppliers/manufacturers. This has got to be painful for them.

 

[Braderunner]

When we ask our customers why they do the repair themselves rather than take it to Apple, they give us a few reasons:
“Being in an Apple store is just plain hell”.

 

[ravenstar]

If you DIY the battery replacement Apple will refuse to ever work on your phone again for any other out of warranty repair. Replaced my battery on my own and when I later wanted Apple to replace a cracked screen they refused to do so for this reason. There was nothing wrong with the third party battery, they just said that as soon as they saw that when opening the phone the policy is to refuse all service on the phone. Beware of this!!!!

Why not keep the old battery and swap it back in if you need to have your phone repaired?

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

It's not $29.99 or less...they charge $7.60 for shipping.

Simple question is why??? If apple is charging 29 dollars and the work will be warrantied, why risk doing it yourself. I don't understand

iFixit also includes older phones for $29.99 or less. Apple does not. So if you have a iPhone 5 or earlier, $29 or less (plus shipping). It's just another option for those with iPhone 6 or newer. If you take it to an Apple Store, how long are you without it? Sometimes people have the ability and just want to do it themselves...it's just easier.

 

[aleni]

Jesus, they give a huge discount like it’s nothing. No wonder those guys drive a ferrari to work.