Apple has always limited the right to repair its devices to a select few. But now that Apple Self Service Repair is finally out, things are changing, albeit a bit slowly. Now we can all be geniuses.
The November announcement opened the door to a lot of speculation. While some questions have already been answered because the program is available to US customers, some still remain. I dug deep into this question to get all the answers* you need, so read on.
* Well, almost all answers, and if you still have questions after reading the full article, feel free to use the comments section below.
What is the Apple Self Repair Program?
Self-Repair is Apple’s current stance on eligibility for repairs. For years, Apple has gone to great lengths to block a user from its network of authorized service centers, from using microcontroller chips to blocking features or labeling products as non-original components.
But now this program gives users the ability to repair their Apple devices themselves. Users can access original Apple parts, tools, and repair manuals similar to those used at Genius Bar (repair crews).
To help you become an Apple genius, the tech giant has everything you need, from repair manuals to over 200 individual parts and tools. You can also buy all the tools at once, or rent them for $49, or buy individual tools to keep them safe.
Note. Apple also released a supporting document, Expanding Access to Safe, Reliable, and Safe Service and Repair, which mentions that it will provide service and parts for products for at least seven years after they were last sold.
What devices can you repair?
Currently self-repair is available for:
- iphone 12
- iphone 12 mini
- iphone 12 pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iphone 13 mini
- iphone 13 pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- Macbook Air
- Macbook Pro
In addition, the program currently helps to repair the iPhone.
- Battery
- Display
- Camera
- bottom speaker
- SIM tray
- Taptic engine
MacBook Air and MacBook Pro Self Repair offers over a dozen different types of repairs for each model, including the display, top case with battery, and trackpad, to name but a few.
Who can access the program?
The service program is currently limited to the United States only. Although Apple has announced plans to include other countries and regions starting with Europe later this year.
Source: Apple
Who is it aimed at?
While self-repair is open to all Apple users, it’s not meant for everyone. Not everyone has the skills, knowledge and experience to take apart an electronic device and put it back together. It is intended for individual technicians who are able to repair such devices.
However, Apple also says inexperienced users should restrain themselves and rely on certified technicians.
Note. Apple currently has over 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) and 3,000 Independent Repair Service Providers (IRPs), as well as over 100,000 active technicians.
How does the self-service program work?
Apple also released a four-step self-repair program work plan.
Step 1: Use the repair guide to find what you need
A free, detailed repair manual for your device, along with information on what parts, tools, and materials to order.
Go to the Apple manuals page and select the device you want to get a repair manual for. The PDF file will provide all the necessary information; click the repair you want to do (read the basics before jumping in).
Important: In the next step, you will need the repair manual ID and you will find it in the introduction to the manual. This indicates to Apple that you have indeed read the manual.
You will also see
- Tools you will need for repairs
- Step by step repair guide with related images
- Warning messages to help you avoid dangerous areas
Source: Apple
Step 2: Order the necessary parts and tools
Visit a self-service store and select Start Order. Here select the product, its model and type of repair.
Buy spare parts and tools
Now you will see a lot of options for all the parts and tools you will need. Click “Add to Cart”, add IMEI or serial number of your device and click “Continue”.
Rental of repair tools
On the main page, which lists all the parts and tools, scroll down to Apple Tools (79 pounds in two heavy suitcases). You will find a great tool rental option for $49; add this to cart.
According to the Apple toolkit rental page,
- The rental will start on the day you receive the tool kit and will last for 7 days.
- It costs $49 including shipping.
- Your credit card will have a temporary authorization equivalent to the full replacement cost of the tool kit.
- If the instruments are not returned on time, a fee (including taxes) will be charged.
- Also, if any tool is missing or damaged, Apple will deduct its cost.
Step 3: Repair your device
Once you have the parts and tools you need, open the repair manual and get to work. There is a hitch here; you will need to call Apple to complete the repair process.
Apple has set a system configuration requirement (some people call it silly, Apple’s call is required) without which your device will not recognize the parts as genuine and will not work properly.
To complete this step and the self-repair process, go to the Contact Us section of the self-service store. You can contact support via chat or phone to start setting up the system.
Step 4: Return the replaced part for recycling.
As part of Apple’s carbon neutral approach, you can return a replacement part and get a refund. As with their AASP and IRl, these parts will be refurbished or recycled responsibly.
Of course, conditions apply. Apple will check a portion to determine eligibility for credit and then refund a portion of the original payment.
Self-Service Apple Repair Cost
The cost of parts and tools varies depending on the repair and type of device. For reference and comparison, let’s take the iPhone 13 Pro as an example.
The display kit costs $269.96 up front, if you subtract the $33.60 return credit, that’s $236.36. While we will also have to factor in the $49 instrument rental, the total is $318.96 (before) and $285.36 (after the loan is repaid). Notably, Apple’s screen replacement service costs $279 (add the cost of commuting if applicable).
Is DIY Apple Repair Really Cheap?
According to the calculations above, absolutely not. I even compared the cost of replacing the battery; the battery pack is $71 and battery service through Apple is $69.
Also, there is an additional risk of damaging your device rather than having it repaired. On the other hand, trained technicians work on your device, plus Apple is responsible for repairing your device.
So it’s not that we get a wholesale price or a discount price. In fact, it seems that Apple is pushing you not to do the repair yourself, but to the highway leading to their repair center (more on that in the next section).
Is it worth it to use your right to repair?
With great freedom comes great responsibility for the correct use of rights. In simple words, only a qualified and experienced user can handle a successful repair.
However, many curious souls would like to take matters into their own hands, and this can do more harm than good. Even if you trust a friendly specialist in the neighborhood, you are taking a risk. Plus, it doesn’t save you much money.
So, I propose to look at the situation from a broader point of view. Understand how difficult the repair is, the risks involved, and whether it would be best to go to an authorized repair shop.
Apple DIY Repair: A Real Find
Whenever Apple releases something that tries to go beyond their walled garden, users should take it with a pinch of salt (sometimes even more). With this program, Apple users now have three options.
- Repair the device yourself.
- Visit nearby small shops.
- Send the device to Apple or contact an authorized repair shop.
However, the right to repair is not only about this choice; it also means ease of access, saving money, reducing monopoly and greatly reducing e-waste. But does the program really do it?
Restriction by serial number / IMEI number
While this may not seem absurd at first, it limits many things. For example:
- What if you don’t use a part for the same phone you ordered it for?
The serial/IMEI number gives Apple the right to reject/block repairs from the System Configuration step.
- Why does a qualified person have to wait every time?
Imagine that you know a qualified technician who can fix your Mac and iPhone problem faster than sending it to Apple. But they can only order parts if you give them your serial/IMEI number. Then you will have to wait for the parts to arrive before repairs can begin.
Why can’t a technician order extra parts and have them ready for your rainy days? Agree, this may open the gate for counterfeit parts, but Apple can save the service tag for the parts and proceed with the system setup phase accordingly.
The iFixit repair team put it very nicely: “This program expands the freedom to repair with one hand and lock the door with the other.”
Are we being fooled?
At the moment it certainly looks like this. We now have the right to repair our devices. However, we still do not have the freedom that one would expect. From the serial number/IMEI limitation to the high price, nothing seems to be in favor of the users.
This initiative looks like a deliberately weak and doomed attempt to circumvent the law on repairs and activists. Frankly, I hope that Apple will give some kind of fees in the upcoming announcements.
This is a great deal outside of the US
I also have to put an end to Apple. Apple claims that “in the US, eight out of 10 Apple customers are within 20 minutes of an authorized service provider.”Although this does not apply to other countries and regions.
So while we complain about the program because we have the ability to compare, this may be the best and only option for some people. And when they finally receive this program, it will be sent down. To give credit, Apple did a good deed by introducing the program (albeit an imperfect one).
What do you think about it? Would you try to repair it yourself or would you continue to rely on experts? Share your views, questions, concerns and more with us in the comments section below.