Apple announces Self Service Repair - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DEV001
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 06:14:32 pm
content: This is huge and hopefully other manufacturers will take notice.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 manualsFull page linked below:https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/11/apple-announces-self-service-repair/

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 06:21:37 pm
content: This is nothing until it is actually implemented and works. You think they will not figure out a way to make this look good on paper, but be a total unusable nightmare in reality? It is apple, they are creative and they are not doing this based on their own desire. So they will do everything possible to make this not work as normal people would expect.From what I read, they never say what the "part" is. And I absolutely see them trying to sell you the whole logic board for $500 as a "part". It is a nice FU to the people that do the repair, and shuts down senile senators that have no clue what is going on.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 07:12:15 pm
content: Quote from: ataradov on November 18, 2021, 06:21:37 pmExactly my thoughts

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 08:57:10 pm
content: Quote from: ataradov on November 18, 2021, 06:21:37 pmThe press release says right in it:QuoteSo clearly module replacements. Just like every other computer company I know of that allows any kind of customer repairs.You’d have to be insane to expect them to support component-level board repairs; they’ve never even allowed authorized service providers to do that, and they’re certainly not going to start doing so on their products that have the most difficult boards! I’m not sure whether Apple performs component-level board repairs internally, but if they do, it’s not at their stores, and probably not at the regional repair depots. (If anything, I’d expect them to do it in China, or to outsource it.) My only reason for thinking they might do this is the fine print on the repair contracts that state that refurbished parts may be used.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 09:09:34 pm
content: Which makes the whole thing a pointless PR stunt. It will not hurt to have those options, but again, depending on the price. If they charge for display half the price of a new phone, then it will not be economical to repair. And this does not help with most repairs that repair shops do.

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 09:16:29 pm
content: Quote from: ataradov on November 18, 2021, 09:09:34 pmyeh, look at Rossmanns take on it and why he isn't getting excited just yet

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 09:24:19 pm
content: The suspicious part of me is this is an attempt to take the wind away from moves like Right to Repair which are gaining traction in some states and especially so in the EU.It's a good step, but I'd like to see it legally enforced, rather than Apple just being nice about letting people repair things. And of course it needs to cover Samsung, Huawei, LG, Sony, Google (Pixel) and so on...

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 09:29:44 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on November 18, 2021, 08:57:10 pmIf you disassemble an iPhone, you end up with many more modules laid out on your worktop than just the display, battery, and camera.Also, it seems you will have to order the part in advance from Apple, so they can pre-program it with your device's serial number(s) before you install it. So it doesn't help independent repair shops who would like to keep a stock of common replacement parts on hand.

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 09:31:16 pm
content: Quote from: DEV001 on November 18, 2021, 06:14:32 pm[checks date of the article. April 1st? Nope.]Hmm.. :/

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 09:38:43 pm
content: Quote from: Ed.Kloonk on November 18, 2021, 09:31:16 pmIt is not surprising. It is their attempt at quashing right to repair movement.

author: strawberry
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 10:50:50 pm
content: how it is gonna work without special tool to unlock if iphone display replacement disables face id or main camera . this will increase security risks as stated by apple

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 10:59:37 pm
content: Oh yes, security risks. Think of the children!If you are so risk averse - don't get your phone into repair service, just buy a new one every time something is wrong. Apple will love that.Also, they backed away from locking the screen even before this announcement because it clearly was not about security given that it was trivial to bypass with a chip swap. Yet the same chip swap made economical repair less viable. Go figure.

author: MrMobodies
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 18, 2021, 11:56:10 pm
content: I read that in the newspaper before and I never thought they'll do it.It see that the shareholders got involved on this one:https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/17/22787336/apple-right-to-repair-self-service-diy-reason-microsoftQuoteQuote from: IanB on November 18, 2021, 09:29:44 pmI see so you can't just take a working one out of a scrap unit.If I did pay for the genuine parts that sounds like it is going to be restrictive and burdensome for me to start dealing with serial numbers on every single part and hope on delivery that it is going to be pre-programmed with the right serial number before putting it back together.

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2021, 01:25:21 am
content: Quote from: MrMobodies on November 18, 2021, 11:56:10 pmSad, but its the way things have been going in cars/vehicles to deter theft/rebirthing. The idea is that if the parts cant be used and the product retains its serial/identity then any thefts can be easily tracked down (supposedly good for the consumer). Flip side, once the product is obsolete/unsupported, at the first breakdown its a worthless lump unless someone has liberated the locking/serial/identity tools (only benefits the manufacturers).Quote from: ataradov on November 18, 2021, 06:21:37 pmWorse than that, its looking like "self service" is just going to be an extension of their existing "authorised" repair process/chain. Parts often cost more than the street value of the product, and the defective part is returned to Apple for a credit/refund against the working part.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2021, 03:12:07 am
content: Quote from: MrMobodies on November 18, 2021, 11:56:10 pmYou cannot. People have done tests where they buy two brand new phones, and swap parts between them. After swapping the parts, the phones complain that the transplanted parts are not recognized as original, and the phone goes into "limp" mode and disables full functionality.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2021, 06:28:57 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on November 18, 2021, 09:09:34 pmLOL what?By farthe most common repairs are display and battery replacement.Quote from: IanB on November 18, 2021, 09:29:44 pmDuh. Nobody said otherwise, including me (and Apple). My statement was that they're not going to support component level board repair — you’re not going to be able to order a replacement IC.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2021, 06:30:52 am
content: Quote from: langwadt on November 18, 2021, 09:16:29 pmYeah but he’s also a crank with a business interest in repairing what Apple won’t. His takes oneverythingare extremely biased, cranky, and often unreasonable IMHO.

author: DEV001
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2021, 04:48:02 pm
content: I am pretty excited for this as I think it is a step in the right direction. Apple publicly admitting self repair is something they need to do and offering service manuals, parts, and special tools (to consumers) is a lot more than other manufacturers are doing at the moment.My hope is this will inspire other companies to offer similar programs.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2021, 04:52:23 pm
content: They have not offered anything yet. Let's wait and see what it will be in the end. Their "manuals" will probably end up disassembly instructions, something you can get on iFixit instantly after a new phone comes out.

author: Ed.Kloonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2021, 07:52:24 pm
content: Gardner isn't a fan of this new development..

author: eti
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 19, 2021, 08:11:19 pm
content: Quote from: Ed.Kloonk on November 19, 2021, 07:52:24 pmHe's right in respect to those ridiculous, patronising "Memphis" cartoons.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2021, 07:16:41 am
content: Quote from: tooki on November 19, 2021, 06:30:52 amDoes Samsung offer any kind of end-user repair options or support for third-party repair?Seems like everyone bitches about Apple but Samsung is no better. $1000 phones OMG Apple is ripping people off! But .. Samsung had $1000 phones too. Etc.

author: flolic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2021, 09:27:11 am
content: Yes, I can get Samsung spare parts (screens, batteries...) from my local distributor. But I am a business customer, owning a repair shop.

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2021, 03:30:33 am
content: I don't trust Apple, based on Apple putting malware in iPhone updates that slows down your iPhone so you buy another one. Apple might be a trillion dollar company, but they are morally bankrupt and not ethical. Don't expect Apple will do anything that will reduce their income stream - repairability or no repairability. They will find ways to get the fanboys to part with their hard earned money one way or another.Incidentally, I own NOTHING that is Apple. My better half owns an iPad piece of junk. Into the rubbish it is going on Christmas day. Glad to see it gone. She is getting new Android tablet that will leave the iPad for dead in may aspects. We will soon be an Apple free zone soon.

author: eti
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2021, 05:37:24 am
content: Why is Louis Rossman put on a pedestal and seen as THE authority on all things Apple repair? Because he's high profile (in a YouTube context) and makes a lot of noise. So what? He's not KING of Apple repairs, as competent as he may be. He's highly opinionated, very negative and passive aggressive, and that kind of personality is repellant. A high view count and him knowing how much people refer to him, can only expand his ego, not that I know he's particularly egotistical, but this is a known pattern with high profile YouTubers.Why can't people use critical thinking, instead if flying towards their "go-to guy" as a piece of steel does to a magnet, quoting their every word as some form of holy scripture? He's a bloke in a shop and he repairs things. Fab. Lots of people do that.The internet. Ugh.

author: eti
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2021, 05:41:28 am
content: Quote from: tooki on November 19, 2021, 06:30:52 am↖️⬆️↗️You took the words right outa my mouth.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2021, 05:45:30 am
content: Quote from: eti on November 22, 2021, 05:37:24 amBecause unlike you he does not only complain, but also does something to change things. Other people are free to express their opinions. Do you see people in the repair business that are completely satisfied with how apple behaves? Where are those people?

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2021, 01:32:53 pm
content: Quote from: ataradov on November 22, 2021, 05:45:30 amThey literally compete with Apple in offering repair.Why would they ever be happy with them?

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2021, 05:05:08 pm
content: Quote from: tom66 on November 22, 2021, 01:32:53 pmThat was not the question. I don't care what makes apple happy. But what makes him an authority is expressing his opinion, and nobody else seem to express any contrary opinions. Well, except apple, but they do not count.Car manufacturers also have their own service centers, yet we have laws forcing car manufacturers to sell parts to independent shops and customers. And over time market has established what a reasonable definition of "part" is, so they can't sell you entire engine as a "part".

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2021, 07:14:34 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on November 22, 2021, 05:05:08 pmExpressing an opinion doesn’t make someone an authority!!!Opinions are the exact opposite of authoritative.And eti and I aren’t the only people who disagree with Rossmann. So it’s definitely untrue that “nobody else seems to express any contrary opinions”.You need to stop making things up. In this thread, you’ve made up what you think the most common repairs are, made up the definition of a word, and made up things about people’s opinions of Rossmann… come on, man, dial it back…

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2021, 09:05:21 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on November 22, 2021, 05:05:08 pmthey also don't sell you the lever switch that detect that the stick is in "R" position so WHEN it fails you either remove the "controls" from the trasmission block, open it, try to find the partnumber, hope it's correct and replace for about 100€ (10€ part + labour) or replace the whole "controls" part for about 1500€ (Stories from the workshop)Better than having to replace the whole transmission block, but still not ideal

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2021, 03:58:07 pm
content: Quote from: JPortici on November 23, 2021, 09:05:21 amOr, this: we owned a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI. It has a design flaw in its air conditioning system. It has some kind of automatic damper/valve that controls how the output of the A/C unit is diverted, and this valve gets stuck. The compressor is running yet there is no cool air coming out of the vents. After a while it might or might not start working properly.The dealer's solution was to simply swap out the compressor assembly, which included this valve. Out of warranty this is an US$1,100 job, which is fucking ridiculous, and oh by the way I live in the Sonoran desert where summer temperatures get to 115ºF/46ºC, so we kinda need the A/C.The independent shop across the street from the dealer said this was a known problem and VW should have recalled the cars and fixed. The indie shop also offered to replace just the valve for $500 including labor (the part was about $300 and the work was ... oy). The guy said they had to order the parts in from Germany because the US-based dealers and parts depots didn't stock it because why not screw the customers.The kicker was that eventually the replacement valve failed too, and also the radio died (aren't car radios a solved problem), and boy was I happy when VW bought the car back because of their idiotic emissions cheating. Basically I rented the car for six years for $6,000 and the Honda that replaced it is still going strong.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 24, 2021, 06:11:00 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on November 18, 2021, 06:21:37 pmThat's what they did with the "Apple Authorised Service Provider Program". A PR stunt with no REAL value.QuoteNon tech-savvy politicians will be rolled and sold on the PR - unless they can be educatedbeforethey have been swayed. It's been successfully done before, so Apple has simply changed up the game, but are still using the same old rules.QuoteThis is key. The actual parts that will be made available and their cost are two of the three main factors in such a program being useful. The third is the process of getting them, including how long it takes. You wouldn't walk into a car parts store looking to get a new set of spark plugs and be happy with the response: "Certainly sir ... here is your new (reconditioned) head - and we can also arrange installation for you!"Quote from: tooki on November 19, 2021, 06:28:57 amWhy not?NOBODYis asking Apple to stock ICs. What they ARE asking is that Applestop blockingaccess to ICs, which is what they are doing now. If they've got an intellectual property interest in a $2 chip, then let them demand a $20 royalty for each chip sold by the supplier. For the repairer and the consumer, that is a whole lot better than having to buy a $100 device simply to harvest the chip and then discard the carcass.

author: Ranayna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2022, 02:09:06 pm
content: From what i can see, it has been very silent regarding this topic.It has been more that four months now. Are there any news about the availability of original Apple spare parts?

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2022, 04:00:37 pm
content: PR cycle has moved on. Now they have M1 and other high performance stuff, everyone likes them again, so no need for this anymore.

author: Ranayna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2022, 07:19:50 am
content: Well, apparently hell really froze over...There it is:https://www.selfservicerepair.com/homeApparently United States only at the moment, at least clicking that country button does nothing.Pricing seems to be reasonable, but i do not have much to compare with.I find it very interesting that this page does not show any real affiliation with Apple directly.If i had not read about this at The Register (https://www.theregister.com/2022/04/27/apple_self_repair_service_launches/) i would have assumed that this is just another third party.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2022, 07:26:12 am
content: Well, hopefully it eventually covers more than iPhones from the last two years. The prices seem fine otherwise, but computers is where the real pain is. And everything they do with computers makes them more proprietary and less repairable.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2022, 07:52:07 am
content: I'm not experienced enough to know if $98 is reasonable for an iPhone SE (current gen) screen, once they get the broken core back. But it doesn't seem *ludicruous*, especially because that's a kit that contains everything you need to do the job on your own, besides the tools.For some of the repairs they include a rental for the tools. Rented out to customers for $49 for a week.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2022, 08:01:08 am
content: https://www.theregister.com/2022/04/27/apple_self_repair_service_launches/

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2022, 09:45:41 pm
content: They sell a display press and heated display removal fixture, which is cool.