Reports from the Heart of the Machine
Editing: Zenan, mayo
After reading the instruction manual, I was afraid.
On April 27, Apple's DIY mobile phone repair service was officially launched, and now the iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and the third generation of iPhone SE can be self-repaired in the form of "official", without the need to find a store to repair the phone.
When announcing its "self-service repair" program last year, Apple said it would sell more than 200 "personal parts and tools" to people. They are currently only available in the U.S., but Apple plans to expand the program to other countries and other devices, such as Mac computers equipped with M1 chips later this year.
When disassembling an iPhone, people often need tools such as special-shaped screwdrivers, and Apple says tools and parts can be purchased through self-service repair shops. The company said in its press release that for customers who don't want to buy tools directly, renting a kit for 7 days costs $49.
"Apple will offer a $49 tool rental kit so that customers who don't want to buy tools for a single repair can still use these professional repair tools. The week-long rental kit will be shipped to customers free of charge."
The implementation of the program marks a major shift in Attitudes at Apple, which has historically limited the supply of original replacement parts. Even with third-party chargers, Apple's devices occasionally have unusable warning signals. But with a self-service repair program, anyone can now purchase replacement parts directly and have them run exactly as intended.
Apple provides a workshop manual for every iPhone.
In addition to fixing your own mobile phone in line with the geek DIY spirit, most people's reason is to save money. But if you're expecting fixing your iPhone yourself as a way to save money, you might be disappointed. Apple's pricing for some of the most common replacement parts is very similar to the fee charged for repairs at the Apple Store, and even if you're someone who can professionally remove a phone for replacement parts, the only thing you can save is sending your phone back and forth.
How much can I save by fixing my own iPhone?
Take, for example, the most common battery replacement. Apple sells for $69 for the battery and screw kits for the iPhone 12 and 13 series, and $49 for similar kits for the third-generation iPhone SE. But if you look at Apple's official website, the price of the battery replacement service outside the warranty period is exactly the same: $69 for the iPhone 12 or 13, and $49 for the iPhone SE. Apple's press release said it sold the parts at the "same price" charged by its network of repair partners.
The price of Apple's official repair service.
The price of the repair kit.
The price of replacing the screen is slightly different, but not much different. Purchasing the iPhone 12 screen and screw kit directly from Apple officially costs $267.96, and the same phone costs $279 for screen repair under warranty. For the 12 Mini, the purchase of repair components is $225.96, while the repair price is $229. The same replacement part for the 12 Pro Max costs $309.96 and repairs cost $329. That said, DIY repairs can save $5 to $20, but not much.
There's also a caveat that Apple's DIY option can save even more if you're willing to return a replacement part. For example, according to the Apple Repair website, an old iPhone 12 or 13 battery can get a $24.15 discount, and a discount of $33.60 for returning an old screen.
These discounts offer special discounts on battery repairs, in which case sending back replacement parts can save more than a third of the repair kit price.
Even without these discounts, diy phone repair yourself can be considered.
Over the past three years, the number of officially directly operated or authorized repair points at Apple has nearly doubled, including more than 3,000 independent repair providers. A global network of more than 5,000 Apple authorized service providers supports more than 100,000 in-service technicians. In the United States, 8 out of every 10 Apple customers are located within 20 minutes of an authorized service provider.
Although Apple has a certain number of Apple Store retail stores in every country and thousands of third-party repair partners around the world, not everyone lives near these places.
On the other hand, most people simply can't leave their phones, and it takes three to five business days to complete a mail-in repair. For those who need urgent repairs, DIY repairs are the most efficient way to do it.
Of course, Apple's official press release also makes it clear that it doesn't think its DIY repair option is for everyone. "For the vast majority of customers who have no experience repairing electronics, visiting a professional repair supplier and getting a certified technician using genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to repair them."
This probably explains why Apple isn't offering too many discounts to customers who are eager to fix their phones.
If you want to DIY repair the iPhone, first ask yourself if you are worthy
If you're determined to fix your iPhone yourself, read the workshop manual first. Taking the iPhone 13 Pro as an example, Apple officially provides more than 80 pages of manuals, covering repair parts and detailed maintenance steps, as well as safety advice.
Workshop manual address: https://support.apple.com/en_US/manuals/iphone
First of all, there must be a set of repair tools, dismantling the screen needs to be heated to soften the adhesive, separating the screen from the mobile phone frame, and sandwiching a wedge when it is separated to half. At this point, unlike the iFixit disassembly video, during the installation of a new screen, the screen is evenly stressed, so it is also necessary to press and repair trays designed for the specific size of the equipment.
The same goes for batteries, which require battery presses and trays of specific sizes.
After the repair is complete, a system configuration step may be required. System Configuration is a software tool. There are many purposes for running a system configuration, which vary depending on the part being replaced.
Specifically, if it is a broken screen maintenance, it is roughly divided into several steps:
Wear safety goggles with protective edges and cut-proof gloves.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove shards of glass from your workspace and iPhone.
Attach a protective cover to the broken screen to prevent injury or glass scattering. There is a release pad under each protective cover. Slowly pull out the release pad while pressing the hood onto the housing.
Folding release pads. Use its reflective side to press the protective cover onto the broken glass to eliminate air bubbles.
Wait at least 12 minutes for the combination between the protective cover and the glass to strengthen.
If the glass on the back is broken, you need to use a display pocket when disassembling the machine.
It's that simple, have you learned?
For reference:
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/04/apples-self-service-repair-now-available/
https://www.theverge.com/2022/4/27/23044490/apple-diy-repair-self-service-replacement-part-price-apple-store