iFixit Says Apple's Self Service Repair Program is Great Step, But Has a Catch

[MacRumors]

Apple's newly-launched Self Service Repair program is a "great step" forward, but "not the unqualified win for repair enthusiasts that Apple's marketers would have you believe," according to do-it-yourself repair website iFixit.

In a blog post today, iFixit's Elizabeth Chamberlain said the biggest problem with Apple's program is that parts must be paired with a device. When purchasing parts from Apple's Self Service Repair Store, a customer must enter a device's serial number or IMEI, and any parts ordered need to be paired with the same device after installation.

"Integrating a serial number check into their checkout process is a dire omen and could allow Apple the power to block even more repairs in the future," said Chamberlain. "Building the technology to provision individual repairs easily sets Apple up as the gateway to approve—or deny—any repairs in the future, with parts from any source."

To initiate the pairing process, known as System Configuration, Apple says customers will need to contact the Self Service Repair Store's support team by chat or phone. The parts store is operated by third-party company SPOT, not Apple.

iFixit said there is still "a lot to be excited about" with the details Apple announced, including availability of tools that only certified Apple technicians could access until now and free step-by-step visual repair manuals on Apple's website.

"We are really happy to see Apple making repair manuals available for everyone for free online," said Chamberlain. "Like, seriously happy. Like, we've-been-asking-for-this-for-twenty-years happy. They're selling their own proprietary repair tools to the public, too, again for the very first time. You can buy official Apple battery presses and display adhesive removal devices—or even, to our surprise, rent those devices."

iFixit remains optimistic that as Right to Repair legislation advances around the world, companies like Apple will be required to take further steps.

"At least Apple is getting some of their homework done in advance," said Chamberlain, about the initial phase of the program. "Manufacturers know the right to repair is coming—we'll get the rest of their assignments in due time."

Article Link: iFixit Says Apple's Self Service Repair Program is Great Step, But Has a Catch

 

[AgeOfSpiracles]

That didn't take long. Just no pleasing people.

 

[Spock]

Still a step in the right direction and far better than nothing. It was hard to get a hold of those repair manuals back in the day.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

It's a step in the right direction but I think it's not for everyone. Not everyone is going to be feeling ok self-repairing their device. For some people even unscrewing can be frightening and scary.

 

[JosephAW]

It’s a trap, Apple will make even more money. People will rent the repair kit, order replacement parts, try to fix their device, they will break something inside, can’t get a refund on opened parts, will have to purchase new device to replace it because opening it cancels any original warranty on their device and taking it to Genius Bar will be rejected because you opened it.
Win win for Apple.
Just buy Apple care plus. Win win for you.

 

[Morichan]

Better than nothing, right? ?‍♂️

 

[mozumder]

Helps prevent stolen iPhones from being used for repair parts.

 

[Remy149]

I’m sure ifix would prefer if Apple teamed with them the way other manufacturers have

 

[TMRJIJ]

"Integrating a serial number check into their checkout process is a dire omen and could allow Apple the power to block even more repairs in the future," said Chamberlain. "Building the technology to provision individual repairs easily sets Apple up as the gateway to approve—or deny—any repairs in the future, with parts from any source."

Seen quite a few stolen iPhones brought to my AASP. Don’t really see this as a problem per se if it prevents ‘marked’ iPhones from getting repaired for use

 

[MajorFubar]

Still a step in the right direction and far better than nothing. It was hard to get a hold of those repair manuals back in the day.

No back in the day you could repair your device with some sticky-back plastic, an empty Fairy washing up liquid bottle, the tube from a used toilet roll and some knicker elastic. Not being able to perform basic repairs on devices is a recent problem.

 

[blazerunner]

It's a step in the right direction but I think it's not for everyone. Not everyone is going to be feeling ok self-repairing their device. For some people even unscrewing can be frightening and scary.

So? No one is forcing you to do your own repairs.

 

[ouimetnick]

It’s a trap, Apple will make even more money. People will rent the repair kit, order replacement parts, try to fix their device, they will break something inside, can’t get a refund on opened parts, will have to purchase new device to replace it because opening it cancels any original warranty on their device and taking it to Genius Bar will be rejected because you opened it.
Win win for Apple.
Just buy Apple care plus. Win win for you.

Why would you open a device under warranty? If it was under warranty, it’s smart to take it to Apple, even if it’s a cracked display, on a phone that’s new enough to be under warranty, I’d let Apple do it.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

So? No one is forcing you to do your own repairs.

Correct! It's a good option to have however it's not for everyone. Being able to collaborate with iFixit would have been more beneficial for the general people.

 

[now i see it]

All the custom specialty tools required to repair an iPhone is only a testament to how poorly they are designed.

 

[frenchcamp49er]

Says the part and tool selling company

 

[ddtmm]

Apple has figured out they can sell you the parts and let you repair your own device for the same amount of money it would have cost for them to have done the repair. They just eliminated the labor cost.

 

[frenchcamp49er]

All the custom specialty tools required to repair an iPhone is only a testament to how poorly they are designed.

Wow. Just wow. I’m sure with your engineering and design degree you can do a better job.

 

[frenchcamp49er]

Apple has figured out they can sell you the parts and let you repair your own device for the same amount of money it would have cost for them to have done the repair. They just eliminated the labor cost.

You can go to the store and have it done.

 

[4jasontv]

Hopefully iFixit is forced to accept returns, in any condition, after any amount of time. Refunds should be back on the customers card the day it's handed off to the shipper.

You know, if we are just going around making demands.

 

[Danfango]

All the custom specialty tools required to repair an iPhone is only a testament to how poorly they are designed.

Actual real life qualified engineer here.

You have no idea what you are talking about.

 

[Spock]

All the custom specialty tools required to repair an iPhone is only a testament to how poorly they are designed.

Sort of, it can also be said that they are designed in a way that keeps them from becoming damaged. The engineering saved me when I dropped my iPhone 12 Pro Max in a sink of water. Making an electronic device water resistant takes some clever design and these tools help retain that.

 

[rgwebb]

All the custom specialty tools required to repair an iPhone is only a testament to how poorly they are designed.

You can make a phone that can be repaired with commercial off-the-shelf hardware but you may not like the look and feel of it.

The custom tools are often creations to mitigate damage and improve reliability of the repair work.

 

[Danfango]

Actually I think I can see what this is and will break it down into a few simple statements.

1. iFixit found a market niche and promoted it as the right thing to do while selling inferior parts and equipment.
2. The manufacturer entered the same market with superior parts and equipment.
3. iFixit now has a failing business model because they got what they wanted and are switching to whining mode.

 

[gaximus]

All the custom specialty tools required to repair an iPhone is only a testament to how poorly they are designed.

My car has repairable airbags, super easy to repair, the screws can shoot through your eyeballs if the airbag goes off. But it's designed well, because it's easy to repair.

 

[Derekuda]

… redacted.