In November 2021, Apple announced a self-service repair program for the iPhone 12, 13 and SE (3rd gen). Since then, we’ve all been hitting F5 on a fictitious URL, waiting for something to appear. Today, leaf solution and voila; Apple’s program is finally live. This allows you to purchase the parts and equipment needed for the most common repairs. Apple even includes a detailed repair manual. Once you figure out which parts you need, you can order whatever you like and do DIY repairs with your fingers. This is a step towards the right of the user community to make the repairs they deserve.
Apple has officially announced the launch in a blog post. You can now discover and purchase over 200 parts and accessories for the late model iPhone. Apple is focusing on the most requested repairs with the program, but its list of components should cover most people’s needs. You will now be able to purchase a battery, display, speakers, camera, SIM tray and Taptic engine. Apple even lets you buy the part of your choice or a “bundle” that contains all the accessories.
Prices also seem reasonable. For example, an iPhone 13 camera bundle costs 117, but only $ 64 if you return the replaced parts. Apple doesn’t seem to have a tax here for small things. The two safety screws cost just 0.20, and the camera cowling $ 0.50. Apple says this is the same price it charges from its network of certified repair technicians. Also, if you are worried about the possibility of buying equipment for one-time work, Apple will rent them to you. Tool rental programs cost $ 49 and give you seven days to use them. After that time, they came back to Apple.
The iPhone 13 camera bundle includes a camera, a universal screw kit, display glue and a safety screw. (Photo: Apple)
Unfortunately, there is not much information about what the parts of the bundles are for. To find out all you have to do is go to the manual section and dig it out. Apple has also included a warning that the program is intended for “those who are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices.” Also, in some cases it’s just not as easy as swapping and completing parts. For example, if you replace your phone’s camera, you’ll also need to run a “system configuration” software tool. To get the software you need to contact Apple via phone or chat
While Motorola is technically the first company to offer DIY phone repair, Apple is the first major player to make it official. It seems that the dam has officially broken in this movement as well. Recently, both Samsung and Google announced their own repair programs. Both companies will use iFixit to offer customers equipment and parts. Both companies said their repair programs would be available later this year. Apple’s program is currently only for the iPhone but the company has said that it will soon expand the program. Later this year it will offer the same support for M1-based Macs and it will offer the program in Europe as well.
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