Last month, Apple launched its Self Service Repair Store, which allows customers to buy parts for select Apple devices they can repair at home. It was a big win for advocates in the “right to repair” movement, who’ve fought Apple in Congress for the opportunity to swap out their own shattered screens.
But DIYers’ enthusiasm has spoiled faster than a ripe avocado as it’s become clear that Apple’s program is time-consuming, expensive, and difficult. For example:
NYT writer Brian X. Chen replaced his iPhone 12’s battery through the self-repair store. He was charged $96 for materials, plus a $1,210 credit card hold for the 75 pounds of industrial equipment required for the repair. And he damaged the phone during Step 2.
The Verge’s Sean Hollister had a similarly miserable experience fixing his iPhone Mini.
Meanwhile, having an Apple associate replace a battery costs $69. Apple said in a white paper last month, “For the vast majority of customers, the safest and most reliable repair is achieved through an Apple Store. …Repairing modern electronic devices that are complex, highly integrated, and miniaturized isn’t easy.” Translation: “Try it. You’ll hate it.”
