Whoever has not seen someone with a shattered iPhone screen should cast the first stone. I, myself, own an iPhone with a broken screen. Why is it such a frequent sight, though? One might say it is because Apple products are widely popular, thus a higher chance of seeing someone with an iPhone in general, but it does not answer the question entirely.
Apple is known among its users and tech enthusiasts for its strict policy regarding the repairs of its products. They are officially only available in certified service locations which use genuine parts and tools and in which workers have completed proper training to provide the best aid. It seems reasonable, am I right? In theory – yes, in practice – not really.
The costs of those repairs often surpass the value of the device on the second-hand market, so it makes more sense to invest in a new model rather than repair the old one. The other option is relying on the services of third-party technicians, who use parts purchased from non-certified suppliers, and which, I feel obligated to mention, results in immediate loss of warranty.
A lot of criticism has poured down on Apple throughout the years, not only because users felt tricked into buying new models but because of environmental issues. One poll conducted in the UK by YouGov showed that 30% of Brits throw away devices, which repairs are unprofitable or impossible for some reason.
Electronic waste, however, is a much more serious problem than many could suspect, and for this very cause, the EU is determined to fight against it. So far, repairability laws specify that only certain electronic goods need to be repairable for at least ten years – it includes washing machines, refrigerators, etc. however, the next step aims to include devices like smartphones and laptops.
In the US in July of 2021, the Biden administration released an executive order to address “unfair anticompetitive restrictions on third-party repair or self-repair of items” which is considered the catalyst of the most recent Apple decision.
“unfair anticompetitive restrictions on third-party repair or self-repair of items”
Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy
In Mid-November of 2021, the company has announced its new Self Service Repair program in response to the fast-moving changes on the right-to-repair front. It will allow users to perform at-home repairs using original parts and tools sold via the Apple Self Service Repair Online Store, which will launch at the beginning of the following year. At first, it will only be available in the US and exclusively for iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, but Apple has a bold plan to expand the program to other markets and to cover other device models, all this in 2022.
How will this process look?
All at-home repairs will start with the consumer defining the issue using the repair manual and determining whether they will be able to fix the problem by themselves. If they feel strongly about their chances, the next step will be ordering necessary parts from the Apple Self Service Repair Online Store and performing the repair once they arrive.
On the one hand, many are positively surprised by the conglomerate’s decision because it is a potentially crucial turning point for the technology lifecycle as we know it. Besides becoming more consumer-friendly, it will extend the lifespan and durability of our devices, which might reshape technology trends. On the other hand, no matter how easy it may seem, tinkering with any electronic device requires some level of knowledge, which leads me to believe that many users will continue to rely on the expertise and skills of the professionals for this very reason.
Sources:
https://www.ft.com/content/c69b207d-68f4-46a3-b54b-c7177e14fe60
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2019/640158/EPRS_BRI(2019)640158_EN.pdf
https://docs.cdn.yougov.com/ixz3tlj5a6/TheRestartProject_RightToRepair_211011_W.pdf
In my opinion, all this Apple’s environmental policy is faked and made for the public opinion. How can you explain the fact that the packaging of the latest iPhone is no longer wrapped in plastic, but all other products are still wrapped in it. Is it about cutting costs in the production of the most popular products… The same situation with the lack of charger in the box which is explained by the reduction of waste production. It is a pity that at the same time such a charger is sold separately, along with the box and foil. And the idea of self repair seems to me not interesting for the consumer but financially beneficial for Apple. Most people who can fix a device on their own have long since done so without the help of others. However, Apple devices are so heavy in disassembly, repair and assembly that someone who did not know how to do it probably still will not fix it. There will probably be a lot of people who will damage their device even more. This is very beneficial for Apple because what else can a user do but to go to an authorised service or just buy a new device.
I also have an Apple phone. The last few of my smartphones were iPhones. And I know from experience that despite all my best efforts (protective glass, phone case), long-lasting use ended with glass breakage. Replacing the screen is too expensive to the current price of the phone in use, so hardly anyone decides to replace it. I always return a broken phone to a collection intended for this purpose with electronic devices, but not everyone knows about something like this and throws the device into the garbage, which should not be done. I am glad that Apple comes out with a new solution to this problem, but I would not decide to repair it myself – I am afraid that it would end up with a deterioration condition of the device.
Wow! It sounds amazing. I can’t wait to get my phone repaired by myself. I’m a bit interested in electronics and technology, so it will be a great opportunity to learn how things work. By the way, I once had a situation in my iPhone X that the Face ID module stopped working. The service wanted PLN 1,500 from me for the repair of a device worth PLN 900. It was so unfair.