Apple will soon let you repair your own iPhone

Source -

Apple today announced that it will soon start selling customers the genuine parts and tools needed to repair their own iPhone. These parts will initially be available for iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 devices, with the initial phase of the program focusing on the most commonly serviced modules: display, battery, and camera. Other parts will become available at a later date.

Notably, repairing an iPhone yourself won't void your warranty. Adding additional damage may, however.

Customers who return their old busted parts to Apple for recycling will be given store credit.

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Comments

  • +22

    Apple will soon let you repair your own iPhone

    You don't need their permission.

  • +2

    What a nice company Apple is to voluntarily agree to let their customers repair their own devices.

    /s

    • +1

      As someone who isn't an apple fan, it's actually quite good of them. Most places won't even sell you genuine parts, let alone allow you to retain warranty coverage after you've pulled it apart and repaired it yourself.

      • +14

        …it's actually quite good of them.

        It would've if they hadn't been so against the "right to repair" movement in the first place. They've been fighting against it the whole time and now they've literally been forced and have no choice.

        https://9to5mac.com/2021/11/17/comment-another-apple-pr-fail…

        This is one of the guys that everyone should thank for this.

        • +3

          Yeah, I feel they're getting ahead of it as a PR move. I suspect it might be really expensive for OEM parts though.

        • +1

          100% now the tide have turned they might as well show they're 'benevolent' or whatever.

          • @mbck: Yep that's Apple, benevolent and eco friendly.

        • It would've if they hadn't been so against the "right to repair" movement in the first place.

          Have to admit, I don't give a shit about apple, so have no idea on their stance on anything really.

      • +1

        Yes, it is good of them to comply with existing and impending laws and regulations (EU and US right to repair).

        • +1

          Last I checked we were in Australia. The us has always had better laws than us in this regard, people can service their own cars/motorbikes/jetskis over there and retain warranty, not so here.

          • +1

            @brendanm: You have it very wrong. You can service your own cars/motorbikes/jetskis/dildos here. On top of that you have rights that cannot be excluded nor waived.

            See more: https://www.accc.gov.au/publications/consumer-guarantees-a-g…

            • +1

              @deme:

              You have it very wrong. You can service your own cars/motorbikes/jetskis/dildos here

              Good luck with that come time for a warranty claim.

              • @brendanm: What? I used to service my own car, have had it fixed under warranty due to:

                • Deadly airbags
                • Seat was faulty

                Are you from an alternate universe?

                • @deme: Airbags aren't warranty, they are a recall. Your seat has nothing to do with the engine, which is what you serviced, and what you will be denied a claim on, with no service history.

                  • @brendanm: https://www.accc.gov.au/update/just-bought-a-new-car

                    Consumer guarantees

                    Your statutory rights that cannot be replaced, limited or removed by any agreement, contract or warranty, or made subject to non-disclosure conditions.

                    They apply to new cars for an unspecified but reasonable time, and are subject to certain exceptions (e.g. if the reason for the damage is abnormal consumer use).

                    These rights include that your new car must:

                    be of acceptable quality (including that it is safe, durable and free from defects)
                    be fit for any purpose disclosed before the sale
                    match the description provided or demo model
                    have spare parts and repair facilities available.
                    These rights apply regardless of whether or not an independent operator services or repairs your car.

                    Wait but there is more

                    The Competition and Consumer Amendment (Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme) Bill 2021 requires motor vehicle service and repair information to be made available for purchase by Australian repairers at a fair market price.

                    • @deme:

                      independent operator

                      Australian repairers

                      You have to be a licenced mechanic/mechanical workshop. Feel free to call the ACCC and clarify.

                      • @brendanm: You said: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/11357664/redir

                        Are you seriously saying in order to change your own oil filter you need to be a licensed mechanic?

                        • @deme:

                          Are you seriously saying in order to change your own oil filter you need to be a licensed mechanic?

                          To retain warranty on your engine, yes. If out of warranty, or you don't care about warranty, no.

                          • @brendanm: Amazing that you can think that, this is incorrect though. Can you cite any legislation?

                            What about washer fluid do I need to let the dealer do that too?

                            • @deme:

                              Amazing that you can think that, this is incorrect though. Can you cite any legislation?

                              Can you cite any that says that they can not refuse warranty based on an unqualified person working on something, with no proof they've actually done it?

                              The stuff you've posted above, obviously without reading, states that you don't need to get the dealer to service your car, but instead says an independent can do it.

                              What about washer fluid do I need to let the dealer do that too?

                              Engage your brain.

                              • @brendanm:

                                Engage your brain.

                                The oil filter is a consumable just like ink…

                                Can you cite

                                Right here http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caca20…

                                There is no legal requirement that you must be a licensed mechanic in order to change an oil filter. I can't prove something doesn't exist. What would I point to? The entire legislation and say read this it's not here if you think this exists point to it. It is on you to prove.

                                Since there is no legal requirement that you must be a licensed mechanic in order to change an oil filter,
                                making a representation that the consumer has no right to a remedy under the consumer guarantees as described in the Act would be false and misleading and in breach of sections 18 and 29 false and misleading and in breach of sections 18 and 29 in particular 29 1 m.

                                Section 54 describe circumstances where consumers guarantee would not apply for example where the service conducted by either an independent party or the owner had caused it to become of unacceptable quality.

                                • @deme:

                                  Since there is no legal requirement that you must be a licensed mechanic

                                  Since there is nothing to state that people are allowed to, while retaining their warranty, manufacturers can put whatever caveats they like. The only legislation that deals with servicing and warranties, stated that you do not have to use the dealer, but can use another "licenced mechanic".

                                  • @brendanm:

                                    manufacturers can put whatever caveats they like.

                                    You cannot waive nor can a business exclude your rights under The Australian Consumer Law for a business to suggest so is an offence under the Act.

                                    Lets say you buy an iPhone from Apple.
                                    Later you get the screen fixed after you scratched it
                                    A year later you've noticed the microphone is no longer working through no fault of your own.

                                    Do you agree with the ACCC & Apple that Apple must repair, replace or refund and it cannot be a refurbished phone as a replacement?

                                    That is: the mere fact that a device was, on an earlier occasion, repaired or serviced by someone other than Apple or an Apple-Authorised Service Provider did not and could not of itself, excuse Apple from its obligations under the consumer guarantee regime.

                                    Here is the court enforceable undertaking right on the ACCC website.

                                    P.S. Do you even know what an oil filter in a car is? You don't need to open the engine to get to it.

                                    • @deme:

                                      Do you agree with the ACCC & Apple(accc.gov.au) that Apple must repair, replace or refund and it cannot be a refurbished phone as a replacement?

                                      This has absolutely nothing to do with servicing a car.

                                      P.S. Do you even know what an oil filter in a car is? You don't need to open the engine to get to it.

                                      I'm a mechanic. You stuff up replacing the filter, use the wrong filter, use the wrong oil etc, you can do damage. If you've done this yourself, with no proof of it having been done, with no proof it was done by anyone who knew what they were doing, you are going to be declined warranty.

                                      You cannot waive nor can a business exclude your rights under The Australian Consumer Law

                                      There is nothing in Australian consumer Law that says that you can have no idea what you are doing, service your car, and expect the manufacturer to warrant it. As I've said, the only thing they've said regarding it, is that you don't have to use the dealer, and can use another "qualified mechanic" and maintain your warranty.

                                      • @brendanm: You are still wrong, and have been proven so many times over. If you are telling your customers this you are breaching § 18 Australian Consumer Law.

                                        There is nothing in Australian consumer Law that says that you can have no idea what you are doing, service your car, and expect the manufacturer to warrant it.

                                        If you damage your car during service the seller isn't liable (there are exceptions, for example if the design of the product is not fit for purpose). That's covered in the Act as described 3 times already.

                                        As I've said, the only thing they've said regarding it, is that you don't have to use the dealer, and can use another "qualified mechanic" and maintain your warranty.

                                        There is no relevant legislation (in this context) that uses the term "qualified mechanic".

                                        http://classic.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinosrch.cgi?method=bo…

                                        "only thing they've said"

                                        Who is "they"?

                                        • @deme: Ok mate, you haven't shown anything that proves your point, but sure.

                                          • @brendanm:

                                            Ok mate, you haven't shown anything that proves your point, but sure.

                                            I've provided detailed citations of each piece of legislation including links.

                                            You said:

                                            As I've said, the only thing they've said regarding it, is that you don't have to use the dealer, and can use another "qualified mechanic" and maintain your warranty.

                                            Now answer my question: Who is "they"?

                                            • @deme:

                                              I've provided detailed citations of each piece of legislation including links.

                                              The problem is that nothing you have linked says that the assertion by manufacturers that you have to have someone qualified service the vehicle, is null and void.

                                              Now answer my question: Who is "they"?

                                              Accc

                                              • @brendanm:

                                                Accc

                                                Now prove it. Where does ACCC say:

                                                that you don't have to use the dealer, and can use another "qualified mechanic" and maintain your warranty.

                                                • @deme:

                                                  Now prove it. Where does ACCC say:

                                                  https://www.accc.gov.au/update/just-bought-a-new-car

                                                  It typically allows you to choose your preferred repairer for service and repair, as long as the manufacturer’s maintenance and servicing standards are met.

                                                  The manufacturers maintenance and service standards are that the approved fluids and consumables are used, and the work is performed by a qualified person.

                                                  Another -

                                                  https://www.choice.com.au/transport/cars/maintenance/article…

                                                  While a manufacturer can have certain requirements in its warranty terms – such as ensuring any servicing is carried out by qualified staff, according to the manufacturer's specification, and that appropriate quality parts are used where required – it can't require you to service your vehicle through an authorised dealer to keep your warranty intact.

                                                  • @brendanm: I see the problem, you are referring to "Manufacturer’s warranty" whereas I am referring to "Consumer guarantees".

                                                    Consumer guarantees: Are automatic rights under the Australian Consumer Law that cannot be restricted or excluded.

                                                    Where as:
                                                    Manufacturer and extended warranties are Voluntary promises offered by the manufacturer, dealer or a third party that apply for a specified time none of these can impact your statutory rights.

                                                    For example:
                                                    * You buy a new car for $60k
                                                    * You change your own oil filter regularly.
                                                    * The second year a piston cracks in the engine

                                                    You don't need to care what the "Manufacturer’s warranty" says, the Consumer Guarantees have your back.

                                                    You neglect to get your oil changed or change it yourself, your car breaks down as a result and damage is done to the engine.

                                                    Well then that's your fault.

                                                    However another example:
                                                    HolFord offers to service your car for $500 each time as long as you do it 2 twice a year according to some rules they set out.

                                                    You decide just to do it yourself for some and pay someone else to do the rest.

                                                    Later it turns out the front-left headlight was sold with a defect causing water to get into it.

                                                    You take it to the dealer:
                                                    Now, the dealer can say yeah we can't give you the $500 service deal as you brought it to someone else.
                                                    However they must remedy the failure see https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees… for free.

                                                    In addition:
                                                    You buy a new Maord RX 50 you get home and oil leaks all out of the car due to a manufacturing fault.
                                                    Not only is the seller liable for repair/replace/refund the car but they are also liable for consequential damages, ie. all the oil on the floor.

                                                    Do you agree with this?

                                                    • @deme:

                                                      I see the problem, you are referring to "Manufacturer’s warranty" whereas I am referring to "Consumer guarantees".

                                                      I'm aware of what I'm referring to. Nowhere in consumer guarantees does it say that you can service the vehicle yourself.

                                                      If you are going to ignore the requirement for a qualified person to service it, why not just ignore the requirement to service it at all? Consumer guarantee will cover you apparently, you can just do whatever you like, and ignore everything.

                                                      Do you agree with this?

                                                      No. Until we have something like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act they have in the US, the current laws don't allow this here. Feel free to provide any evidence whatsoever of any time at all that someone has had warranty approved, after servicing the vehicle themselves, in Australia. Don't give some stupid example like a seat, an engine/transmission etc warranty issue.

                                                      • @brendanm:

                                                        If you are going to ignore the requirement for a qualified person to service it, why not just ignore the requirement to service it at all?

                                                        I covered this in the comment you replied to:

                                                        You neglect to get your oil changed or change it yourself, your car breaks down as a result and damage is done to the engine.

                                                        Well then that's your fault.

                                                        Engage the brain!

                                                        You said:

                                                        https://www.accc.gov.au/update/just-bought-a-new-car

                                                        It typically allows you to choose your preferred repairer for service and repair, as long as the manufacturer’s maintenance and servicing standards are met

                                                        Where is that paragraph? It's under "Manufacturer’s warranty".

                                                        But then it appears you need to engage the brain on your own links.

                                                        In https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/11365568/redir
                                                        you posted https://www.choice.com.au/transport/cars/maintenance/article…

                                                        Can I do the servicing work myself?
                                                        Maybe, but it mightn't be a good idea, and you could invalidate your warranty if you're not a qualified mechanic.

                                                        In theory you could do the work yourself if you have the necessary skills, because as we've explained you can get your vehicle serviced anywhere as long as it's in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and standards (and isn't warranty work – manufacturers can set repair requirements for warranties against defects).

                                                        You said in https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/11361060/redir that you needed.

                                                        Are you seriously saying in order to change your own oil filter you need to be a licensed mechanic?
                                                        To retain warranty on your engine, yes. If out of warranty, or you don't care about warranty, no.

                                                        You've also stated that you know we are referring to consumer guarantees when we say warranty in https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/11366718/redir

                                                        Let me give you an out and be absolutely clear:

                                                        If I change my oil filter, with due care and skill but am not a qualified mechanic and the engine fails due to no fault of mine, is the seller or manufacture legally able to deny me a remedy under the consumer guarantees, that is, a repair, replacement or refund?

                                                        • @deme: So I take it you aren't able to find a single instance of someone servicing their own car, and getting a warranty repair done? I thought so.

                                                          • @brendanm:

                                                            So I take it you aren't able to find a single instance of someone servicing their own car, and getting a warranty repair done?

                                                            Yes, me and 2 of my friends. Different manufactures and vehicle types.

                                                            You failed to answer the question.

                                                            Don't chicken out and answer the question:

                                                            If I change my oil filter, with due care and skill but am not a qualified mechanic and the engine fails due to no fault of mine, is the seller or manufacture legally able to deny me a remedy under the consumer guarantees, that is, a repair, replacement or refund?

                                                            • @deme:

                                                              Yes, me and 2 of my friends.

                                                              You didn't have any warranty work done relating to the engine. You don't even understand what you're arguing about.

                                                              If I change my oil filter, with due care and skill but am not a qualified mechanic and the engine fails due to no fault of mine, is the seller or manufacture legally able to deny me a remedy under the consumer guarantees, that is, a repair, replacement or refund?

                                                              As I've already said, yes, they can, with the legislation we have currently.

                                                              • @brendanm:

                                                                You didn't have any warranty work done relating to the engine.

                                                                I think you are internally-confused, take a break have a kitkat. My new car engine's crankshaft came with faulty bearings.

                                                                As I've already said, yes, they can, with the legislation we have currently.

                                                                It's right here: https://www.choice.com.au/transport/cars/maintenance/article… you can, but if you mess it up that's on you.

                                                                • @deme:

                                                                  My new car engine's crankshaft came with faulty bearings.

                                                                  Lol, sure it did 😂😂😂

      • No! You are 100% Incorrect.

        There is a guarantee that when you purchase a product the manufacturer or importer must provide
        spare parts
        and repair facilities for a reasonable time after purchase. This applies even if you did not
        purchase the goods directly from the manufacturer or importer. COMPETITION AND CONSUMER ACT 2010 - SCHEDULE 2 Part 3-2 Div 1 SubDiv A § 58

        and,

        It is illegal for a business to engage in conduct that misleads or deceives or is likely to mislead or deceive consumers or other businesses. This law applies even if you did not intend to mislead or deceive anyone or no one has suffered any loss or damage as a result of your conduct. § 18 Australian Consumer Law

        and,

        Apple has admitted that it made:

        a representation made to a consumer to the effect that they had no right to any remedy under the consumer guarantee regime of the ACL in respect of their Apple device would be false or misleading in breach of sections 18 and 29(1)(m) of the ACL if the consumers Apple device had been repaired or serviced by a party other than Apple or an Apple Authorised Service Provider but such third party repair had not caused the Apple device to become of unacceptable quality for the purposes of section 54 of the ACL;

        If you have evidence of what you suggest for any company (Apple or otherwise) please report it don't be a simp for a $2.52 TRILLION DOLLAR (USD) company.

        • There are tonnes of companies that don't supply parts. Do you expect that the manufacturer should provide me a surface mount diode if I request one? At which point does it stop?

          don't be a simp for a $2.52 TRILLION DOLLAR (USD)

          As above, I don't give a shit about apple, I just know that most places won't supply parts to end users, and most companies don't allow random people to open things up, fiddle with them, and retain warranty coverage.

          • +1

            @brendanm:

            There are tonnes of companies that don't supply parts.

            Microsoft will not provide Surface Pro batteries.

          • @brendanm: They appoint a distributor. There is no cost control over spare part prices.

          • +1

            @brendanm: It's covered in Refusal to supply products or services and Anti-competitive conduct
            sections. ie. Section 45 Competition and Consumer Act.

            TL;DR You can generally set prices of parts, refuse to sell them, etc

            But you cannot do this to: misusing market power, boycott, impose minimum resale prices on retailers, engage in exclusive dealing, or act unconscionably.

            most companies don't allow random people to open things up, fiddle with them, and retain warranty coverage.

            Not a single company can do this in Australia.

            As for your precise question it would depend on if the SMD is easily sourceable and is it faulty (ie. Apple needs to repair, replace, refund it at their expense).

  • +1

    wonder if they will sell enough parts to build a iphone lol

    and how much will it be

    add screen
    add frane
    add battery
    add chips and internals

  • +1

    You could be mistaken in thinking that, at the RRP, these shouldn't need repairing.
    Replace the battery? Sure. But you can buy those kits already, and it isn't difficult.

    It will be interesting to see how much Apple sells these kits for.

    • -1

      You could be mistaken in thinking that, at the RRP, these shouldn't need repairing.

      People break screens on phones all the time, same with camera lenses, they get scratched/cracked when people don't use cases

      • +1

        Isn't that the point; at that RRP, shouldn't the volume of screen breaks / cracks be lower than they are.
        Perhaps they are not 'fit for purpose'?

        If cases are the answer, why aren't they sold with a protective outer as part of the product?

        • +1

          Isn't that the point; at that RRP, shouldn't the volume of screen breaks / cracks be lower than they are.

          The price is that high because idiots will pay it, not because they are of a certain quality.

          Perhaps they are not 'fit for purpose'?

          The times I've broken phone screens, I've dropped them from a height, often a number of times. I don't think they're designed for that. If it was marketed a rugged, sure, but these thing are marketed as a fashion accessory.

          If cases are the answer, why aren't they sold with a protective outer as part of the product?

          If people don't drop things and treat them poorly, they are fine. The case is insurance. I have a case on my phone as it gets abused and used for work. It's not a iPhone though.

        • Paraphrasing here, but I remember a Nokia quote. "We don't have anything to worry about with Apple. No one is going to buy a phone that breaks when you drop it."

          Well… Yes… Yes, they did buy it… and lots of it. Look at Nokia now.

      • That's what annoys me with glass backed phones. It used to be a replaceable back cover and no phone case. Now you need to wrap it up and the phone is a lot thicker!

        • +2

          Wrap nice looking glass with cheap plastic lol

          • +1

            @mbck: I don't really understand the need to put a comparatively non-durable material on a device which is at risk of being dropped. There's plenty of metal and polymer materials that feel nice to hold which are also durable.

    • A car costs 50 times as much as an iPhone, those things must never ever break! /s

      This is just Apple fending off legislators in the US, but providing the tools and instructions without iFixit needing to figure it out first is a good thing. Barely anyone is going to use it anyway, but for those who do it's a plus.

      Will be interesting to see what happens in terms of what parts are changeable, the camera is a plus on older models. I have an iPhone XS here that has a water damaged face sensor, it can't be replaced because Apple don't let you. Sounds like that might be changing soon.

  • +3

    They charge 2k for a phone now, it should be shatter proof but no.. $550 for screen repair, and they have a glass back too which I believe is also very expensive to repair. Crazy.

    • I got a XR glass back repaired for $99 I think in Chatswood at the beginning of the year. No idea what they used but it’s fine

  • +8

    I'll consider an iPhone in the future when it uses USB-C.

    • -7

      The lightning port is more robust and easier to clean when it gets dirt or sawdust in it, therefore it is the superior port.

      • +7

        But I can charge so many things with USB-C, unlike Lightning. Glad it’s now USB-C on the iPad mini 6!

      • That's true but there's very limited transfer speeds and charging speeds. Not to mention the MFI chips Apple installed so they could sell cables at a premium.

        • +1

          Are you transferring data via cable often? I seriously would like to know.

          • @ThithLord: It can sometimes be the easiest way to transfer photos and videos. I've also got some music and podcasts on my phone.

            It was pointed out to me that lightning tops out at around 60MB/s and the highest capacity iphones come with 1TB storage. So would take almost 5 hours to transfer files off if full. Unlikely of course but the port needs to be updated to something more modern.

  • +3

    Basically the only reason they are doing this is it would cost them more not to do it through government intervention. They aren't doing it out of the goodness of their heart.

  • +4

    John Deere, I hope you’re listening.

    • They are the worst but I do love a green machine

      • They were the first tractor I learnt to drive and back in the day most people I knew loved them because historically they’d been reasonably easy to service and the local dealership could get parts quicker than other brands.

    • +1
  • Isnt their iPhone 13 the hardest iPhone yet to repair even by 3rd parties? They have soldered parts together?

    • +1

      Perhaps that’s their angle? Sell people parts that are hard to replace and hope that they damage the phone so bad that it needs replacing.

      • It's always been their angle, just like how Tesla doesn't like people repairing their own cars or going to a 3rd part mechanic. It even states in their terms and conditions, anyone is found repairing their car on their own or by a non-authorized Tesla mechanic, their car can be remotely shut down by Tesla.

        But from watching a few youtube iPhone repairers, a few have said it's unbelievable how the parts in the IPhone 13 are really in place and some parts you can't replace unless you replace X Y Z due to soldering.

        • Isnt their iPhone 13 the hardest iPhone yet to repair even by 3rd parties?

          Yeah, fairly sure. They were blocking faceID if the screen was replaced by a non-authorised party. They backflipped recently.

          I heard that the rise of electrical vehicles will close a lot of mechanics since the parts are simpler in some respects.

          • @Caped Baldy: EVs also require little to no servicing when compared to ICE vehicles

            Mechanics will dwindle in the coming 10-15 years

  • Hang on, so they will sell you parts, but the last few models of iPhones have serialised parts, so if you change them the phone loses functionality. So how will this work?

    • You will supply apple with your devices serial number, and they will tie the new part to your device.

      No different to how they do it currently in GSX

  • +1

    This was due to shareholders, Apple has been forced to do this.
    https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/17/22787336/apple-right-to-…

    Today was the last day for Apple to implement this.

  • $400 replacement phone screens incoming………………

  • Not a good idea, as people will make a mess of it and go back to Apple demanding exchanges and refunds.

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