Apple's Self Service Program, A Technicians Perspective

Apple's self service repair program has been out for a few months now, and we have had enough time to fully evaluate what it has to offer and how beneficial this program actually happens to be within the repair industry.

First of all, let's talk about what this program is and how to use it. Its important to note that in order to participate in this program you have to have original Apple serial numbers to turn in so you can order the part, so if you do not have an original Apple part that you are replacing, it would be impossible to participate in this program.

Next, you will be able to select the model of device you want to purchase parts or tools for, along with the part being replaced. Their current parts available are for iPhone 12 and above, and the only parts to purchase from are Battery, Load Speaker, Camera, Display, SIM tray, Taptic Engine, and Universal Screw Kit’s. They seem to be slowly adding more parts over time seeing as this is a big improvement from what they had originally, but we will have to wait and see if, with time, they add older models of iPhones and maybe other Apple product line-ups as well.

Now, in the process of ordering a part, you are also able to return a part for a discounted price on the part being ordered. This is great incentive by Apple to also help with a lot of the pollution problems these parts can cause when thrown away, and we are glad to see this route being taken by Apple with the parts that are already available for purchase. Very similar to how for example auto parts stores take cores for large components and also provide a heavy discount (although a much higher percentage than that of Apple). However, while the incentive to ship them the part is great, unfortunately, if your shipping costs are higher than average in the US, then your looking at these parts costing more after shipping back the core depending on how the part is shipped, meaning this doesn't exactly solve all problems.

Aside from the parts available, we have the tools that you can purchase, organized by the repair being performed in the parts selected. These tools look like awesome improvements to any repair shop who will be focused on doing these jobs the way they should be done. Our personal favorite has been the display remover for iPhone 12 and above. This tool does a tremendous job at making it an effortless screen removal, perfect on those high risk cases where the screen is not being replaced itself but another internal component, making sure you keep the screen intact. Not only is there an option to buy, but these tools can be rented as well, meaning that there are many ways to get your hands on the tools Apple uses to keep waterproofed seals and other high grade experiences.

Now, this seems great and all, and it is an amazing step for Apple to be taking, but, let's take a step back and listen to what some repair technicians are saying about the program.

First off, the parts available are highly limited, making it extremely difficult to try and use them consistently in repairs, so it would only be on new devices. Especially with having to use a real Apple serial number on the purchase of these parts, meaning that you also could not have them in stock at your store, they would have to be ordered every time. This also brings the headache of parts being mistaken as original ones, then when trying to make the order realizing that the part is not actually an Apple original. But one cool thing about the parts is the inclusion of the screw breakdown in the guides and availability to purchase individual screws by device. Wicked cool if you're one of those technicians that hates to see those missing screws in the device.

While parts have shown to be a hassle to purchase from here for a repair shop, the tools themself are very useful, if within your budget. They are very expensive for what they are, and not only that, but the difference between replacing a tool that costs 25 dollars, and one that costs 500 to 700 (without adapters to fit more than one phone), is simply outrageous for most of the average shops out there. However, to be able to have the Apple factory seal on the devices you repair is a huge plus for any repair shop.

At the end of the day, this program is not meant for the use of repair shops, it is meant for the average phone owner to be able to read a guide and simply change whatever small part is damaged within their device, and we feel like this self service program does a great job at that. While it would be neat to have a way to purchase parts for means to be used at a repair shop, this is nonetheless a great step for Apple to take towards their customers, and we can't wait to see what other things come up from apple towards this program.

For more information how the Self Service Repair Program can help you as an Apple customer click the following link: https://selfservicerepair.com/order