Apple’s Self-Repair Program Still Controls Which Parts You Can Use in an iPhone

In late April 2022, Apple launched its self-service repair program, giving people the ability to finally repair their own iPhone. The program began by offering parts and equipment for three phone lineups: iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone SE (3rd generation). It also launched with the official repair manual that individuals and repair businesses have been requesting for years, and a repair tool kit to rent for $49 a week.

However, despite this exciting news, Apple is still taking an enormous amount of control over the process. One major control measure, in particular, will make you think twice before taking the DIY route.

Each iPhone Part Must Be Connected to a Device

Unlike other self-repair programs, Apple requires parts to be attached to a specific device before you can order it. To purchase a part at checkout, you will need to enter the serial or IMEI number of the device. Later, once the part is installed, it must be paired with the device referenced at checkout by contacting an Apple representative.

This “parts pairing” strategy means that each time you repair a device, you will need to complete a system configuration from Apple for your part to be recognized as fully functional and genuine. Annoying most, the only way to do this is to work with Apple on the phone with what they call post-repair software.

Also read: Self-repair programs aren’t a repair-to-repair triumph, so watch out

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Problem with paired iPhone parts

For a one-off repair, it’s a bit of an inconvenience. But for third party repair shops, it is clear that there is no way for customers to stock genuine parts to complete quick repairs. Instead, each customer who needs a repair will have to wait for their individual part to be ordered and shipped. Having these additional rules presents a real problem for third-party repair shops that want to offer genuine iPhone repairs to customers and still compete with Apple’s repair services.

But above all, is it really necessary?

As iFixit points out, other companies don’t require you to jump through so many hoops to buy one and then complete the repair yourself. By comparison, Google, Samsung, and Motorola have announced self-repair programs, and none of them require you to enter a serial number or call the manufacturer to complete a DIY repair.

Does Apple’s Self Repair Program Have an Expiration Date?

Most worryingly, if Apple’s self-repair program has the power to shut down a line of phone repairs in the future. Once the iPhone 12 or 13 is older, Apple may stop authorizing parts as needed through a process of parsing out parts.

This means that even if you have a genuine Apple part, you won’t be able to certify it. So although your part will work, you’ll be faced with an error message telling you it’s not genuineand there’s no way to stop it.

This also creates problems for the repairmen. On the one hand, they can access Apple repair manuals and even rent professional-grade equipment, but the need to add parts will keep them from harvesting working parts from spare phones. In other words, under Apple’s self-repair program, you won’t be able to get a working screen from a broken iPhone and use it to repair another phone.

If the goal is to help more people do DIY repairs while reducing e-waste in the process, Apple’s control measures don’t help. With a possible expiration date on its repair line, this is another example of how brands use planned obsolescence.

Are apple rules acceptable?

While some inspection by a manufacturer is acceptable, Apple’s repair program exercises unnecessary control that is made possible by refurbishers and third-party repair shops. If Apple decides to relax its controls, it would make the self-repair program more beneficial to those who want to do a DIY repair.

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