Apple Will Finally Allow Self Repairs on iPhone
Key Points:
- Apple has long prohibited users from repairing their iPhone or Mac devices, but the company is taking a sharp turn around to allow self-repair.
- While many believe the shift is because of the pressure from the strengthening right-to-repair movement, Apple says that making genuine Apple parts available to customers offers more repair choices when needed.
- Regulators had initially expressed concerns about repair restrictions that force customers into costly manufacturers’ repair networks.
- The right-to-repair movement has long been targeting Apple for its practice of locking down its hardware, such that repair attempts with third-party would leave a phone unusable.
- Apple relented and started to supply parts for the iPhone online to allow individuals to execute do-it-yourself fixes.
Apple has long prohibited users from repairing their iPhones to avoid tampering with the device’s integrity. However, Apple recently took a U-turn and announced that it’d allow consumers to repair their iPhones.
Apple has been restricting self-repair since the release of the iPhone — locking down its hardware such that attempts of third-party repair would leave the phone unusable.
Many regulators and right-to-repair advocates have criticized companies for repair restrictions, arguing that the practice increases repair costs or makes people throw devices away when new.
Apple started a Self Service Repair program that will supply parts for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.
The Sharp Turn-Around to Fit the Do-It-Yourself World
Apple is finally relenting — allowing end-users and small independent shops to have the tools, parts, and manuals to repair iPhones. The decision is a real face for Apple because, for decades, the company couldn’t allow anybody but the Apple Store to work on users’ iPhones.
Before Apple’s Self Service Repair program, if your iPhone or other Apple device break, you’d only fix it by sending it to Apple or searching for an authorized service provider.
The shift appears to address the people’s need for access to easy repair for the iPhone. Just like everyone likes to take care of their cars, boats, and houses — people want to be able to repair their iPhone whenever it develops an issue without taking a long way.
For many years, Apple has been protective of its hardware. The company didn’t allow anyone but Apple themselves to work on the iPhone. If you needed a new battery for your iPhone, Apple would quote you a three-week waiting time. During that time, you’d look for an alternative to your phone or a technician with no genuine parts to repair your iPhone.
The move to offer Self Service Repair was unexpected because Apple has been battling government initiatives around consumers’ repair rights for years. Apple has argued that allowing uncertified third parties to access sensitive parts, software, and diagnostic information would compromise users’ computers.
However, the company has made a U-turn and started allowing users to execute self-repairs.
You’ll Get Everything You Need for iPhone Repair on Apple Stores — Including the Manual
Apple’s Self Service Repair program gives you access to Apple’s parts, tools, and manuals so that anyone comfortable completing their repair can access Apple’s genuine parts and tools.
The first phase of Apple’s program will focus on providing the most common items iPhone users search for, which include:
- iPhone screws
- Cameras
- Batteries
- iPhone display
- Sim card trays
The components will be specific to the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and third-generation iPhone SE. However, that’s just the beginning, and Apple will present more items with time.
If you want components, you can go to the Apple Store online and buy any spare parts you might need. You can work on your iPhone yourself instead of taking it to the Apple Store. The prices for the spare parts will be similar to the current charges they charge independent providers.
The company says making Apple genuine parts accessible to customers presents more repair choices if needed. Apple has increased the number of service locations with genuine parts, tools, and training for customers who want to do self-repair.
Surety that Customers Will Perform Safe Repairs
Apple says its main aim with repair restrictions was to help users protect the integrity of their devices and avoid compromising their safety. Even after relenting and allowing users to execute self-service repairs, the company offers more to ensure you run everything smoothly.
Apple will offer the Repair Manual to ensure you execute a safe repair. Every order for Apple genuine parts and tools comes with a manual. If you return the used part for recycling after the repair, you’ll receive credit towards your purchase.
The company will expand repair programs to Mac computers — allowing users to buy parts to repair their Mac computers.
Easing the Growing Pressure From Regulators
With the government’s backing, a growing right-to-repair movement has been targeting Apple’s restriction to repair for years. Advocates have been expressing frustration with the company’s practice of locking down its device such that repair attempts with third-party equipment leave the phone unusable.
Right-to-repair advocates criticize Apple for its tight control over its hardware. The advocates lamented about apple creating proprietary screws that make it impossible for end-users to open the device.
The right-to-repair movement insisted that too much control of Apple’s hardware and software steers users to overpriced repair vendors or leads them to throw their iPhones before their lifespan is complete.
The cry made president Biden sign an executive order allowing the Federal Trade Commission to crack down on companies that restrict self-repairs. Companies like Apple and Samsung might be under government scrutiny and forced to do something they may not want to.
While the shift might appear like Apple realized that they haven’t been allowing users to repair their devices — it might be the company’s move to avoid government scrutiny.
While the Apple self-service repair is limited, many people are lauding it as significant progress to right-to-repair. Apple’s action signifies that the same standard should apply to other electronics.
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