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Only a 'Small Fraction' of iPhone Users Will Use Self Service Repair Program, Study Suggests
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Obviously...this is a "get off our back" move by Apple.
Funny you should say that, because the right to repair movement is specifically about making sure repair shops (and everyone else) has access to "the proper tools to do the job right the first time".
- Apple will release guidance on this when the program launches, if not sooner. My instinct would be that parts will be device-specific and if you damage something during the repair and take it to them, they will waive warranty for that particular part.
- What? Of course not.
- Me. Calling it scary is your prerogative. I'm not surprised by the results of this survey, but the program is fantastic PR for Apple and I suspect that with first party tools, parts, and guides available, a few percentage points of people will gain interest.
- I disagree.
Let's be clear, other than a few zealots who frequent computer forums will ever attempt a repair. The other 99.999999999999999999999999999999% of iPhone owners will never even think it. Furthermore if someone screws up their repair Apple probably will not attempt to repair the damage from a self-administered repair. Might end selling more iPhones from offering this service.
Someone got paid to writeup this “study”. It’s obvious that 99.99% of people would never fix their own iPhones. Do we need a study for this?
Most likely, yes. But no problem. Just go to Micro Center and get one of the t-shirts they sell that says "I void warrantees."
That's the thing, though. Who in their right mind would choose a device whose design was optimized for easier service?
Would you rather have a thin device, or a device designed to be secured with #2 phillips head screw drivers?
Would you rather have a waterproof device, or a device that didn't feature adhesive seals?
Would you rather have a device that's durable against fall damage or a device that leaves the battery loose in the compartment?
"Repairability" as an abstract engineering principle runs counter to principles we actually care about. The goal should be to make the devices as repairable as possible without evacuating those principles -- and I think Apple does a good job with room for improvement (break up them logic boards; ain't no reason storage, IO and processing need to be on the same physical PCB)
Absolutely. And even then, it's still fantastic that this program will now exist when it didn't before.
A list of other consumer items that only a “small fraction” of users will repair by themselves:
1. everything
1. everything
I will use it, if the price is ok.
And they forgot, that everybody knows somebody that can help out replacing parts. I helped friends and family out already, many times.
I also miss the 80s,90s electronic repair shops that used to repair stuff, TVs, Toasters, etc..
And they forgot, that everybody knows somebody that can help out replacing parts. I helped friends and family out already, many times.
I also miss the 80s,90s electronic repair shops that used to repair stuff, TVs, Toasters, etc..
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I do not care how many people will use it or will not use it. I am just glad to see Apple heading down this track, they are the last company that I expected to do this.
Right to Repair isn't just about individual consumers actually repairing the items, it's about the ability for independent repair technicians to effectively repair things.
The trend has been towards total vendor control of electronic devices. Maybe the tide is turning.
The trend has been towards total vendor control of electronic devices. Maybe the tide is turning.
Well the small % that do repair, often do for friends and families. Studies won't show how many people will be impacted by the parts availability.
I am hoping this program lasts and grows within Apple.
I am hoping this program lasts and grows within Apple.
Taking a guess at official apple iphone parts prices:
OLED screen - $299
battery - $199
tool kit - $99
buttons - $59
screws - $29
OLED screen - $299
battery - $199
tool kit - $99
buttons - $59
screws - $29
I don't understand what you're asking here. Are you asking if you'll be able to use Siri for advice or something?
There is something that savvy tech folks like us can do (maybe a bit generous in the characterization, but if you are reading MacRumors comments, I think you got to have some tech knowledge). You can tell your friends and family about getting the battery replaced in their phone. At a local repair shop it will usually be a same day process. It really really helps extend the useful life of older phones. You can save your friends and family significant money and they will be happier with a phone they know and like continuing to work well for another year or two. Really many people don't understand how cheap and easy replacing a battery is. I used to do it myself for my iPhones and family member iPhones. It did get harder to do over the years, so now I just hand them to a pro when the time comes. But by the third year of ownership, it is almost always time to replace the battery. Most folks just don't think of it this way.
Now your smallest repair shop will give you the option of an Apple OEM battery if you want it. That will add comfort to some folks. This policy change is really going to help the small local repair shops.
Now your smallest repair shop will give you the option of an Apple OEM battery if you want it. That will add comfort to some folks. This policy change is really going to help the small local repair shops.
And all the tech nerds that want to fight for “right to repair“ can also claim a victory over Apple. Meanwhile no one really wants a third-party to work on their Apple device.