Vratislav Holub At the end of 2021, Apple introduced a very interesting innovation in the form of Self Service Repair, when it practically made home repairs of its products available to practically anyone. It all boils down to the fact that everyone will be able to buy original spare parts (including the necessary accessories), while the instructions for the given repair will also be available. This is a significant step forward. So far we haven't had many options. Either we had to rely on an authorized service or settle for non-original parts, since Apple does not officially sell spare parts.
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Adam Kos So, there is nothing stopping the more technically proficient apple growers from repairing their device on their own, using the right parts. So it's no wonder that the program gained huge attention immediately after its launch. At the same time, Apple is responding to the global Right to Repair initiative, according to which the consumer has the right to repair purchased electronics himself. It was a rather surprising move on the part of the Cupertino giant. He himself did not take kindly to home/unauthorized repairs and rather threw sticks under others' feet. For example, annoying messages appear on iPhones after replacing the battery and other components, and there are quite a few such problems.
Self Service Repair launched in the US
However, enthusiasm for the program waned very soon. It was introduced already in November 2021, when Apple mentioned that it would officially launch the program in early 2022. First only for the United States. But time passed and we practically did not hear about any launch. After a long wait, the breakthrough happened yesterday. Apple has finally made Self Service Repair available within the US, where Apple users can now order spare parts for the iPhone 12, 13 and SE (2022). But is it even worth reaching for original parts, or is it cheaper to continue to rely on so-called secondary production?
Self Service Repair started. It is a good deal?
Apple announced the launch of the Self Service Repair program yesterday through a press release. At the same time, of course, the relevant one was established site, where the complete procedure is mentioned. First of all, it is recommended to read the manual, according to which the apple grower can also decide whether to actually start the repair. After that, it's enough from the store selfservicerepair.com order the necessary parts, repair the device and return older components to Apple for their ecological recycling. But let's take a look at the essentials - the prices of individual parts.
Let's look, for example, at the price of the iPhone 12 display. Apple charges $269,95 for a complete package, in which, apart from the display, there are also other necessary accessories such as screws and glue, which, when converted, amounts to less than 6,3 thousand crowns. In our region, used refurbished displays for this model are sold for roughly the same price. Of course, the display can be found cheaper, but it is necessary to take into account a number of compromises on the quality side. Some may cost 4, but they don't actually have to be an OLED panel, but an LCD. So we get an unused original piece from Apple at a great price, plus all the accessories we can't live without anyway. In addition, the resulting price may be even lower. As mentioned above, once the repair is complete, apple growers can send the used component back for recycling. Specifically, in this case, Apple will refund you $33,6 for it, which would make the final price $236,35, or less than 5,5 thousand crowns. On the other hand, it is necessary to include tax.
Parts for iPhone 13 (Pro), 12 (Pro) and SE 3 can be purchased
The display is therefore definitely worth buying directly from Apple. In the world of mobile phones, however, batteries, which are so-called consumer goods and are subject to chemical aging, are replaced much more often. Their effectiveness therefore decreases with time. Apple again sells a complete package for replacing the battery on the iPhone 12 for $70,99, which translates to about CZK 1650. However, for the same model, you can buy a mass-produced battery for practically three times lower price, or less than 600 CZK, to which you only need to buy gluten for less than 46,84 CZK and you are practically done. The price of the package may be reduced after returning the old battery, but only to $1100, or almost CZK XNUMX. In this respect, it is up to you whether it is appropriate to pay extra for an original piece.
Unquestionable benefits of Self Service Repair
It can be summed up very simply by the fact that it depends a lot on what needs to be replaced on the given iPhone. For example, in the field of displays, the official path clearly leads, because for a great price you can buy an original replacement piece, which is slowly unrivaled in terms of quality. With the battery, it is up to you whether it is actually worth it. Apart from these pieces, Apple also sells a speaker, camera, SIM card slot and Taptic Engine.
It is still necessary to mention another importance. If the apple grower wants to start the repair itself, then of course he cannot do without tools. But is it worth buying if, for example, it only deals with battery replacement and is therefore a one-time issue? Of course, that is up to each of us. In any case, part of the program also includes the option to borrow all the necessary tools for $49 (a little over CZK 1100). If it is then returned within 7 days (in the hands of UPS), the money will be refunded to the customer. If, on the other hand, some part of the briefcase is missing or damaged, Apple will only charge for it.
Self Service Repair in the Czech Republic
As we mentioned above, the launch of the Self Service Repair program took place only yesterday, and only in the United States of America. In any case, Apple said that the service will soon expand to other countries in the world, starting with Europe. This gives us a slight hope that one day we too could wait. But it is necessary to take into account our size. In short, we are a small market for a company like Apple, which is why we shouldn't count on early arrivals. On the contrary - we will probably have to wait for another Friday.
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