What is Apple's self-service repair? Is self-service repair really cost-effective? Here are the answers to these questions.
In November last year, Apple announced a "self-service repair" program that will allow users to repair some iPhones through Apple's official purchase of parts, and now the self-service maintenance program is officially launched, and some hands-on users can deal with mobile phone problems by themselves.
So, who is suitable for fixing their own mobile phones? Will fixing your iPhone yourself be more cost-effective than the official one?
Which models support self-service repair?
Apple offers workshop manuals on its support pages and apps. At present, the official application "Apple Support" itself is also a place for users to check for faults themselves, so the repair manual makes sense here.
The current 2022 iPhone SE, iPhone 12 series and iPhone 13 series can be repaired by themselves, but there are six types of repairs: battery, bottom speaker, camera, display, SIM card holder and Taptic Engine vibration motor - strictly speaking, users can buy spare parts at Apple officially and replace the above parts themselves.
Apple plans to expand to more models and repair categories in the future. But it is believed that they will not allow users to repair the operation of welding the motherboard themselves.
Where to buy parts? What if I don't have a tool?
Before you get started, you'll need to visit Apple's self-service repair site and read through the repair manual to see what the repair will take. (Of course, if you want to try to fix it yourself without Apple components, this workshop manual is also available.) ）
Each workshop manual explains the process of how to repair, the details, the steps required, and what to do if something goes wrong. Which parts to replace and provide instructions for purchasing the parts.
Basically all repairs require tools, and Apple also offers a kit that costs $49 a week. For most users, these tools do not need to be bought at all, and it is better to rent them only once. Foreign media AppleInsider ordered the iPhone 13 Pro repair kit, and the credit opened a temporary authorization limit of $1272 (how much to spend in the end). This authorization amount will vary depending on the kit chosen, and the iPhone SE repair pack doesn't have as many tools.
The iPhone 13 kit contains: screen-heated removal fixture; heated display bag; battery clip; screen clip; 6.1-inch service tray; rubber cutter; nylon warp stick; screen glue plate; screen protector cover; back case; black/gray/green/blue screwdriver (torque varies); various screw shawls; and iPhone 13 batteries.
Is self-service repair cost-effective?
Taking the iPhone 13 as an example, if the user goes to Apple official, the iPhone 13 battery replacement costs $69 outside the warranty period. If you have bought AppleCare+ additional warranty service, you will be replaced for free (the battery capacity is less than 80%).
In contrast, the self-service repair program first rents tools for $49. There are also necessary parts battery + screw pack for $69, safety screws (2 pieces) for $0.20; display adhesive (2 pieces) for $1.80. After the user replaces the new battery, the old battery is sent to Apple, which will deduct $24.15, so it costs $95.84 to change the battery by himself (not counting the time cost).
Of course, for those DIY users, or players who have their own tools, there is no need to rent a kit, and the cost is only $46.84.
Price comparison of other self-service repairs and de-sales repairs:
1) Replace the bottom speaker of your iPhone 13
Self-service repair parts cost $43.64 (no depreciation credits); additional $49 if you need to rent tools;
Out-of-warranty repairs cost $449; AppleCare+ users cost $99
2) Replace the iPhone 13 camera
Self-service repair parts cost $117.04 (depreciation deduction of $52.50), but after changing the lens yourself, you need to contact Apple to serialize the parts, which is a must, or you can't use the lens. If you need to rent a tool, add another $49;
Out-of-warranty repairs cost $449; AppleCare+ users cost $99
3) Replace the iPhone 13 display
Self-service repair parts cost $269.95 (depreciation credits $33.6). After changing it yourself, you need to contact Apple to serialize the parts. If you need to rent a tool, add another $49;
Out-of-warranty repairs cost $279; AppleCare+ users cost $29.
Screen smashing is a common problem, but in this way, if you change it yourself and need to rent tools, it is better to go to customer service to change. Even if you don't rent tools, it's not worth it.
4) Replace the iPhone 13 vibration motor
Self-service repair parts cost $43.64 (no depreciation deduction), plus $49 if you need to rent tools;
Out-of-warranty repairs cost $449; AppleCare+ users cost $99
5) iPhone 13 SIM card holder
It doesn't really matter if it's self-service or not, because tools are not needed at all. Sim Cardto lost the official originally did not have a warranty.
For $7.20, you can buy a Cato that matches the color of the fuselage. There is also a single sale of card needles, $4.
Therefore, whether self-service maintenance is cost-effective or not has a lot to do with whether you can skillfully dismantle the machine yourself and whether you have tools. iPhone disassembly is still a bit difficult and skilled, not as simple as spelling Lego. Tearing it down is obviously even more loss-making.
Apple has made it clear that if the iPhone is damaged during the self-service repair process, the cost of any subsequent repairs is entirely borne by the user. The iPhone has a small internal space, and there are many small mortise that are easy to break, so before you start, be sure to evaluate your hands-on ability.
Currently, Apple's self-service repair program is only available in the United States, and plans to expand it to more countries within next year. However, there is no news on when it will be extended to other countries and regions. For those who are inconvenient to go to the official after-sales, or like to dismantle /DIY themselves, this plan is obviously a blessing.