Last Updated on 3 years by admin
To make certain iPhone repairs more accessible, Apple is now providing how-to guides, parts, and tools
Apple’s long-awaited Self Service Repair program went live on Wednesday, giving customers in the United States the tools, parts, and instructions they need to fix common iPhone issues. For the time being, the program is limited to the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and third-generation iPhone SE lineups.
The process is broken down into four steps: first, iPhone users with a broken phone should try to diagnose the issue using the newly released repair manuals, which detail the makeup and parts of various iPhone models, as well as how to diagnose problems with batteries, cameras, and displays, among other features.
Customers can go to the new Apple Self Service Repair Store, which has over 200 parts and tools available for purchase, once they figure out what went wrong and what they need to fix. There are also dedicated rental kits for each phone model that can be borrowed for up to a week for $49 and include tools for repairs such as removing and replacing displays. When the customer’s chosen purchases or rentals arrive, they can refer to the manuals for instructions on how to use them. The final step is to return any discarded parts to Apple for recycling.
Apple pays for damaged return parts
Here’s some details to get an idea about how Apple pays for defective parts.
Battery 12/13 models: $69 ($24.15 credit potential when replaced part is returned)
Battery SE: $49 ($24.01 credit potential)
Display 12/13 models: 225.96 – 309.96 depending on model (33.60 credit potential)
Display SE: 128.44 (30.40 credit potential)
Apple claims that the items and prices offered in the store are the same as those offered by authorized Apple repair providers, and that the at-home purchase could be cheaper because Apple gives credit for returned parts. Because of the professional nature of the tools and instructions, Apple recommends that this DIY repair process be limited to those who are “experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices.” Damage caused by a botched home repair, may void a product’s warranty. This was shared in TechCrunch as well.
Apple says it will extend its repair services to Mac computers by the end of the year and expand the program outside of the United States. This shift to DIY repairs, first announced in November, has been years in the making and comes after years of pressure from right-to-repair groups, environmentalists, and a group of Apple shareholders. Last year, the Biden administration added to the pressure on tech companies by issuing an executive order in July that specifically mentioned holding smartphone manufacturers responsible for their repair processes.
While Apple was the first to launch dedicated self-service guides and stores, Samsung and Google both announced partnerships with online repair community iFixit in recent weeks to offer their own sets of tools and kits for troubleshooting issues with their devices.
