Apple launched a self service repair program for the iPhone in April, which will allow Apple device owners to do their own repairs in their homes using Apple parts, repair manuals, and tools.
We walk you through everything you need to know about the Self Repair program, including whether it is worth it to use over other repair options.
The current Self Service Repair program covers Apple's most recent iPhones, the iPhone 12 models, the iPhone 13 models, and the 2022 iPhone SE. There is a full list of covered devices.
The first thing you need to do is check out the repair manual for the device you want to fix in order to get an idea of what it entails. The next step of the repair process is the repair manual code, which you need to skim through.
After you have read the manual, you can go to the Self Service Repair Store and input the device that you want to fix. Apple will show you the parts and tools you need for the repair.
If you add the components to the cart on the website, you can get them shipped directly to you. Almost all of the repairs require specialized tools that you can purchase individually or rent from Apple.
The repair store is run by a third-party provider and not by Apple.
You can get a repair manual by visiting Apple's Self Service Repair website. Clicking on the Apple repair manual link will take you to the manual that you're looking for. All of the links are in PDF on the Apple website.
The repair manual walks through the parts that are available for purchase and explains how the repair process works. How to set up for a repair, the steps required, and what to do if something goes wrong are included in the repair manual.
The following repairs are available from Apple.
If another component is broken, it will need to be taken to an Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or an independent repair shop.
Almost all of the repairs require specialized tools designed by Apple, and they can be obtained through renting one of Apple's repair kits. You have to deposit $1200 to get the repair kit back.
You have seven days to get the repair kit and return it to Apple. Apple charges an authorization fee when a tool kit is first rented. Users will be charged for missing or damaged tools.
A repair kit that includes nearly all of the tools you need is convenient, but it comes in two parts that are heavy and unwieldy. The first part of the kit is 43 pounds, and the second part is 36 pounds. The repair website has tips for lifting these heavy kits.
The kits are stacked together and have a wheeled case for transportation. The kit includes a battery press, a display press, a heated display removal fixture, a repair tray, protective covers, and Torque drivers, with a full list available on the Self Service Repair website.
There are some parts that you will need to purchase separately as not all tools are included in the kit. Most of the tools that are not included are items you can purchase at a hardware store or home improvement store.
There are more than 200 parts and tools available at the Self Service Repair Store. You don't have to use one of Apple's rental kits, and you can purchase each tool you need.
Some of Apple's proprietary repair tools are expensive. Many of the tools required for each repair are below the sample prices.
If you are going to do a lot of repairs, renting a kit is more affordable than buying one component at a time.
The repair pricing is more expensive if you take a device to Apple for repair than if you just rent the toolkit.
The repair kit rental price is included in the list of repair prices. The repair component bundle that Apple recommends is used to calculate each of these. Apple gives a discount for sending replaced components in for recycling, so that is included in the pricing.
This pricing does not take into account the effort of returning the repair kit, and it requires the replaced components to be shipped back to Apple. It doesn't take into account the time spent doing the repair, which can be lengthy for those who are new to repairs.
It's not worth it to do a battery replacement on your own, because it's more expensive than having Apple replace an iPhone 13 battery. It costs $279 to get a broken screen replaced by Apple even if you don't have a warranty, which is cheaper than the self repair.
You may be able to save money on Apple out of warranty repairs. The price for non battery and display repairs is $449. The repair price is the price that Apple sets, and Apple Authorized Service Providers may charge less.
There is no reason to consider a self repair if you have AppleCare +.
All repair purchases are tied to a specific iPhone, so Apple does not allow you to order any old repair parts. When creating a new order, you need to provide either a serial number or an IMEI from your phone.
The part you are ordering must match the serial number. If you want to purchase a display bundle, you need a serial number or IMEI. Independent repair shops can't bulk order parts from Apple because this restricts repairs to device owners.
Many repairs require you to get in touch with Apple to verify the part through a system configuration process.
The components that you have removed may be able to be sent back to Apple. You can get a small discount on the cost of your repair if Apple is able to use those components.
If you send in your old battery, the price of the repair components will be $46.84, and you'll get $24.15 back in credit.
It was difficult for a person with no repair experience to do the repair. It took nearly a full day and required tools that even Apple didn't provide.
More videos can be found on the MacRumors YouTube channel.
At the end of the repair, it was more expensive than having Apple do the battery replacement, and it was not worth the time and money invested. The video above has a full overview.
Some repairs, such as the camera and the Taptic Engine, may be worth it because you can save some money, but make sure to read the repair manual ahead of time to know what you are getting into. For most repairs, you can get in touch with an Apple retail store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or an independent repair shop that uses Apple components.
The Self Service Repair program is available in the United States, but will expand to other countries later in the year.
The Self Service Repair program will be expanded to additional devices in the future.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
