Picking Battles
Apple (AAPL) has been a staunch defender of its limitations on who is allowed to fix Apple products. With reasons ranging from “we don’t want consumers to hurt themselves” to “We only want the best components to be used in Apple products”, the company only allows its products to be repaired through its authorized repair centers, which have access to both tools and the components needed for such repairs, all supplied by Apple. While this is certainly a way in which Apple can maintain quality for repairs under warranty or service agreements, when devices no longer have such coverage, it gets almost impossible to make repairs, with Apple keeping service manuals, some specialized tools, and necessary software away from non-Apple repairers. In fact, if one were to try to replace a broken screen on some iPhones, the phone will no longer allow the ID verification system to work, leaving the phone open to identity theft.
Apple is certainly not alone in their despotic control over product repair as a company such as Deere (DE), allows farmers to replace the most common parts on their tractors but does not allow them access to the electronics that are the heart of such machinery, unless the repair and parts are supplied by the company. iFixit (pvt), a company known for its device teardowns, has been lobbying for years to force consumer electronics companies to allow outside repair and to force them to make replacement parts available to both users and ‘un-authorized’ repair centers, countered by the almost endless resources of those who want to keep what is a profitable repair business under company control., but it seems that the tide is turning as the Biden administration has taken up the cause, working toward what would be a ‘repair bill of rights’ for consumers.
Reading the tea leaves, it seems Apple is taking the initiative and beginning to loosen the strings on product repair, likely looking to present a more customer friendly face before congressional committees call for industry representatives to be grilled on the senate floor as to why consumers should not be allowed to fix their own devices. We doubt it will make much difference to the average consumer, who doesn’t have the slightest idea what is inside an iPhone, and it will open up consumers to a vast group of mini-mall repair shops that will now have the tools to better understand that they can also charge outrageous prices to fix minor issues, but for the very, very few that are willing to pry open an iPhone and pull away gobs of adhesive, they will have the satisfaction that they were allowed to try to fix their phones, even if they can’t get it back together again.
That said, it might also help the environment in that the life cycle of Apple products could be extended by repairs, which could become a bit less expensive as more repair possibilities are open to consumers. Rather than throwing an older iPhone in the trash and buying a new one, you might be able to get a new battery or have another issue repaired, keeping a few toxic materials from leaching back into the soil,a small bonus.
Here’s what Apple announced today:
Apple today announced Self Service Repair, which will allow customers who are comfortable with completing their own repairs access to Apple genuine parts and tools. Available first for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineups, and soon to be followed by Mac computers featuring M1 chips, Self Service Repair will be available early next year in the US and expand to additional countries throughout 2022. Customers join more than 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) and 2,800 Independent Repair Providers who have access to these parts, tools, and manuals.
The initial phase of the program will focus on the most commonly serviced modules, such as the iPhone display, battery, and camera. The ability for additional repairs will be available later next year.
“Creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our customers even more choice if a repair is needed,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, and now we’re providing an option for those who wish to complete their own repairs.”
Apple builds durable products designed to endure the rigors of everyday use. When an Apple product requires repair, it can be serviced by trained technicians using Apple genuine parts at thousands of locations, including Apple (in-store or by mail), AASPs, Independent Repair Providers, and now product owners who are capable of performing repairs themselves.
To ensure a customer can safely perform a repair, it’s important they first review the Repair Manual. Then a customer will place an order for the Apple genuine parts and tools using the Apple Self Service Repair Online Store. Following the repair, customers who return their used part for recycling will receive credit toward their purchase.
The new store will offer more than 200 individual parts and tools, enabling customers to complete the most common repairs on iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.
Self Service Repair is intended for individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices. For the vast majority of customers, visiting a professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair.
Expanded Access to Apple Repairs
In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, including more than 2,800 Independent Repair Providers. The rapidly expanding Independent Repair Provider program originally launched in the US in 2019 and has since grown to more than 200 countries, enabling independent repair shops to access the same training, parts, and tools as other Apple Authorized Service Providers.
In addition, Apple continues to offer convenient repair options for customers through its global network of over 5,000 AASPs that help millions of people with both in- and out-of-warranty service for all Apple products.
By designing products for durability, longevity, and increased repairability, customers enjoy a long-lasting product that holds its value for years. Apple also offers years of software updates to introduce new features and functionality.
Apple is certainly not alone in their despotic control over product repair as a company such as Deere (DE), allows farmers to replace the most common parts on their tractors but does not allow them access to the electronics that are the heart of such machinery, unless the repair and parts are supplied by the company. iFixit (pvt), a company known for its device teardowns, has been lobbying for years to force consumer electronics companies to allow outside repair and to force them to make replacement parts available to both users and ‘un-authorized’ repair centers, countered by the almost endless resources of those who want to keep what is a profitable repair business under company control., but it seems that the tide is turning as the Biden administration has taken up the cause, working toward what would be a ‘repair bill of rights’ for consumers.
Reading the tea leaves, it seems Apple is taking the initiative and beginning to loosen the strings on product repair, likely looking to present a more customer friendly face before congressional committees call for industry representatives to be grilled on the senate floor as to why consumers should not be allowed to fix their own devices. We doubt it will make much difference to the average consumer, who doesn’t have the slightest idea what is inside an iPhone, and it will open up consumers to a vast group of mini-mall repair shops that will now have the tools to better understand that they can also charge outrageous prices to fix minor issues, but for the very, very few that are willing to pry open an iPhone and pull away gobs of adhesive, they will have the satisfaction that they were allowed to try to fix their phones, even if they can’t get it back together again.
That said, it might also help the environment in that the life cycle of Apple products could be extended by repairs, which could become a bit less expensive as more repair possibilities are open to consumers. Rather than throwing an older iPhone in the trash and buying a new one, you might be able to get a new battery or have another issue repaired, keeping a few toxic materials from leaching back into the soil,a small bonus.
Here’s what Apple announced today:
Apple today announced Self Service Repair, which will allow customers who are comfortable with completing their own repairs access to Apple genuine parts and tools. Available first for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineups, and soon to be followed by Mac computers featuring M1 chips, Self Service Repair will be available early next year in the US and expand to additional countries throughout 2022. Customers join more than 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) and 2,800 Independent Repair Providers who have access to these parts, tools, and manuals.
The initial phase of the program will focus on the most commonly serviced modules, such as the iPhone display, battery, and camera. The ability for additional repairs will be available later next year.
“Creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our customers even more choice if a repair is needed,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, and now we’re providing an option for those who wish to complete their own repairs.”
Apple builds durable products designed to endure the rigors of everyday use. When an Apple product requires repair, it can be serviced by trained technicians using Apple genuine parts at thousands of locations, including Apple (in-store or by mail), AASPs, Independent Repair Providers, and now product owners who are capable of performing repairs themselves.
To ensure a customer can safely perform a repair, it’s important they first review the Repair Manual. Then a customer will place an order for the Apple genuine parts and tools using the Apple Self Service Repair Online Store. Following the repair, customers who return their used part for recycling will receive credit toward their purchase.
The new store will offer more than 200 individual parts and tools, enabling customers to complete the most common repairs on iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.
Self Service Repair is intended for individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices. For the vast majority of customers, visiting a professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair.
Expanded Access to Apple Repairs
In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, including more than 2,800 Independent Repair Providers. The rapidly expanding Independent Repair Provider program originally launched in the US in 2019 and has since grown to more than 200 countries, enabling independent repair shops to access the same training, parts, and tools as other Apple Authorized Service Providers.
In addition, Apple continues to offer convenient repair options for customers through its global network of over 5,000 AASPs that help millions of people with both in- and out-of-warranty service for all Apple products.
By designing products for durability, longevity, and increased repairability, customers enjoy a long-lasting product that holds its value for years. Apple also offers years of software updates to introduce new features and functionality.
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