Apple repair program: IFixit disassembled mechanism known maintenance experts

Apple announced a self-repair plan that allows users to repair iPhone and Mac devices by themselves. IFixit disassembled mechanism known maintenance experts said they were "excited" to Apple's self-maintenance plan, and said it was a "great compromise" .

Apple announced on Wednesday that it will provide consumers with parts such as equipment batteries, screens and cameras, as well as corresponding maintenance tools, to facilitate users to repair their equipment by themselves from the beginning of 2022. This project will first allow iPhone smartphone users to replace the screen, battery or camera by themselves, and then sell more parts so that consumers can repair Apple devices such as Mac computers equipped with M1 chips.

This move seems to be a major victory for advocates of the "right to repair" and a major change for Apple. Many people have been calling on legislators to implement various rules so that users can get maintenance manuals and official parts. But for many years, Apple has opposed allowing customers to repair products on their own, citing concerns about safety or performance issues from third-party components. Apple also provides AppleCare + maintenance services for its products to provide users with maintenance services at a lower price than consumers.

" This is a victory for third-party repair shops, a victory for consumers, and a victory for the world, " said Nathan Proctor, director of the US Public Interest Research Group. This consumer rights advocacy organization is committed to promoting "maintenance rights" legislation.

It is reported that users can purchase parts through Apple's self-service online store, and the order also includes a repair manual. Users who return used parts to the factory for recycling can also get corresponding points, which can be used to deduct the purchase of Apple equipment.

Apple said: "The self-repair program is mainly for those personal technicians who have the knowledge and experience in repairing electronic equipment." "For the vast majority of customers, letting a professional maintenance supplier repair the equipment is the safest and most reliable way. After all, They have certified technicians and use original Apple accessories."

Apple also has an "independent repair program" that allows repair shops to perform certification, sign a contract with Apple, and obtain Apple's original repair tools and manuals. After all, it is still challenging for users to repair Apple products by themselves.

Apple did not disclose the price of the parts provided, but said that the price of the parts purchased by consumers on their own is the same as the price of the parts paid to the authorized repair shop. Currently, it costs about US$234 for US users to replace the screen of the iPhone 12 at an authorized repair point, while the replacement of the screen of the iPhone 12 with an expired warranty in the Apple retail store costs about US$280.

Apple Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams (Jeff Williams) said in a statement, "It gives customers who need repairs more choices and makes it easier for them to obtain original Apple parts."

Soon after, iFixit called this a victory for consumers. The iFixit team wrote: "We are very pleased to see Apple admit to a fact that has always been clear: Everyone has enough skills to repair iPhones."

iFixit founder and CEO Kyle Wiens (Kyle Wiens) also said that the new plan marks a major change in Apple's concept.

Vince said, “Apple’s statement seems like a trivial matter: they will release free repair manuals and sell parts to their customers. But it’s a completely conceptual change. It’s a partnership that shows We travel in the universe together on the big ship of the earth."

iFixit said that it hopes that Apple can provide the same level of maintenance information obtained by authorized service providers.

Over the years, Apple has been opposed to the maintenance rights legislation of many states in the United States, saying that the liberalization of maintenance rights may bring safety risks to consumers. iFixit also protested Apple’s approach, saying that “many arguments against repair rights by Apple and other manufacturers” were untenable.

For non-Apple users, the introduction of this new plan is of great significance. If Apple is developing new standards for repairs, other technology manufacturers will follow suit.

"This statement marks our significant progress in defending the right to repair, and we are proud of this bold move by Apple," Vince said.

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