Apple finally launches its program to repair your iPhone yourself

Apple introduced a new Self-Service Repair program late last year that will let you repair your iPhones and Macs yourself. After waiting a few months and releasing repair manuals to guide you through the process, Apple finally started selling spare parts for its devices.

It’s not the first to launch such a repair program, as some competitors like Apple, Google, and Samsung offer official replacement parts for sale to repair your smartphone yourself. However, Apple’s arrival in this market, a big step forward for the right to repair.

Which Apple devices can you repair yourself?

If you have a third-generation iPhone 12, iPhone 13, or iPhone SE 5G, you can now purchase essential parts (such as batteries, cameras, and screens) from a specialized store and To repair your device yourself, refer to the official repair manuals.

Apple said it plans to sell more than 200 “individual parts and tools” to customers. you can even spend $49 to rent a toolbox for a week if you prefer not to buy tools that you probably won’t use often.

Currently, only newer iPhone models are eligible for this repair program. If you have an older iPhone, unfortunately always go to a repair center if it has a problem.

Repairing your iPhone yourself isn’t always the cheapest option

Some netizens noticed: replacing components yourself sometimes costs the same as sending your device back to Apple. Indeed, Apple charges $69 for the battery and screw kit for the iPhone 12 or 13 models, for example, and $49 for the same kit for the third-generation iPhone SE. But on the official website, the cost of replacing an out-of-warranty battery is exactly the same : $69 for iPhone 12 or 13 and $49 for iPhone SE.

According to Apple, the prices will be the same (ranging from $0.20 for the screw to $312 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max screen) because the company says ” same price more than it bills its repair partners network. To replace the screen of iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple will charge you $329 in store and $312 for replacement parts. For such a small price difference, we don’t think most users will attempt to repair their smartphones themselves.

Apple recommends visiting a certified technician with official Apple parts” The safest and most reliable way to get repairs ” for “ The vast majority of customers who do not have experience in repairing electronic devices To encourage iPhone owners to order these replacement parts, Apple announced: customers will be able to get some of their money back if they return eligible parts for recycling.

Not all iPhones will be able to use spare parts sold by Apple

Interestingly, Apple consumers first a valid IMEI serial number for their iPhone before ordering the necessary replacement part. So any store-bought part should only work on the iPhone you’ve provided the IMEI number for.

This obligation “short-circuits the circular economy”, condemning iFixit because third-party repairers, recyclers, and refurbishers will not be able to order parts packages. Your family or friends cannot repair your iPhone unless they know the serial number. iFixit also announces: some components, such as the battery, will need to undergo a software check that Apple performs remotely.. Without it, your iPhone will display a message saying it could not authenticate the new part.

For now, the Self-Service Repair program is only available in the United States, but Apple plans to expand this program to other countries and other devices such as Macs with the M1 chip later in the year.