Published in Mobiles

Apple offers DIY kits

by on18 November 2021


Getting the regulators off its back

In a move which has probably more to do with the regulators, and less to do with service, Apple is offering fanboys kits to do home repairs.

Self Service Repair will let users perform common repairs on devices at home. Apple will give users with damaged devices will be sent "Apple genuine" tools and components -- same as the ones they use at the Genius Bar along with online repair manuals  accessible through the new Apple Self Service Repair Online Store.

The system is similar to the one the company rolled out for Independent Repair Providers (of which there are currently 2,800 in the US plus 5,000 Apple Authorised Service Providers), beginning with the iPhone 12 and 13, focused on display, battery and camera fixes. A similar service for M1Macs will be launching "soon" after.

COO Jeff Williams said in a release tied to the announcement said the kits will creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our customers even more choice if a repair is needed.

 "In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, and now we're providing an option for those who wish to complete their own repairs." Apple hasn't listed specific prices yet, but customers will get a credit toward the final fee if they mail in the damaged component for recycling.

When it launches in the US in early-2022, the store will offer some 200 parts and tools to consumers. Performing these tasks at home won't void the device's warranty, though you might if you manage to further damage the product in the process of repairing it. Only after reading the manual can you purchase parts from the Apple Self Service Repair Online Store.

So what could go wrong?  Firstly, the move is to satisfy regulators who are increasingly concerned that Apple kit is difficult to fix and the company is blocking fix-it stories from repairing its gear. Secondly, it does imply that people who buy Apple gear know the right way to hold a screwdriver which is a contradiction in terms. If the scheme fails, then Apple will have statistics which say “no one wanted to repair their kit and were willing to offer it money to take the problem away”.

 

Last modified on 19 November 2021
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