Apple Self Service Repair: Is this the end of iFixit?!

When Apple announced their self service repair program, we expected to see pigs flying. When they went quiet for months afterward we thought we might be witnessing another AirPower-the wireless charger Apple announced but never released. When they announced not only tool sales but tool rentals, we knew we had to get our hands on these things. We still don't have official parts in our hands, but we've got plenty to say without them!

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[ZeeshanMuhammadX]

For those curious, "IRP" stands for "Independent Repair Provider" (mentioned multiple times in the video, including at 2:14 ) -- which is Apple's program to give small repair businesses access to the same "Apple-genuine" parts, training, and resources as Apple authorised service providers.

[Coconut]

I feel like the easy replacement of parts that wear out e.g. batteries should be a mandatory right for device owners.

[jose]

For the DIYer, these are definitely not necessary. But for a repair shop I think having the ability to purchase these tools is amazing. These tools are designed to replace common parts with minimal training, meaning you can have more entry level technicians perform these common repairs while the skilled technicians can focus on the more difficult repairs

[film]

iFixit will still be here as there'll always be a demand for detailed device teardowns as well as access to affordable parts and tools. Apple looks like they want to charge you so much for renting or buying their tools plus replacement parts that require you to enter a serial number before you can order from apple.

[TinkerManMick]

It's not about people making Apple more confident in DIY. It's about money and control for Apple..

[brainiac]

Parts pairing is bad for the DIY market. But, having been in the electronics production in previous jobs, I can tell you that companies are using those method for analytics purposes (warranty claims stats, issues on subassemblies stats, etc.). I just think their processes have gone too far and are too intrusive for the consumers.
As a side note, be careful with your comparison with the car industry: There are instances where consumers have gone with aftermarket oil filters, had unrelated engine issues and their warranty claims were refused for not using an OEM filter.

[bjs]

Leo Laporte called Apple‘s right-to-repair program “malicious compliance”.

[chriskitze]

This is a great way to open a factory or repair shop. For individuals, forget it. iFixit has this figured out at a fraction of the cost and hassle.

[matterwiz]

Apple did the absolute bare minimum. It's not the thought that counts. It's actions. And the actions they are taking smell of "we threw 10$ and 3 employees in there to appease the vocal right to repair people".

[DojoOfCool]

I think Apple by focusing on do it YOURSELF is trying to scare people in to not wanting right to repair. The real thing people want is for 3rd party repair shops to be able get the parts and schematics, etc they need so we have an alternative to Apple Genius Bar. People like with cars want to be able to save a some money going to a local repair shop, because dealer repair was always more expensive for both labor and parts. Others don't live in places that don't have Apple stores and want to go to a local repair shop to save time and money. It's all about the mega corporations switching from trying to meet customer needs switch to dictating to customers how they going to spend their money and more importantly how often and how much money the customer will spend.

[carpetbomberz]

I'm chuckling at the over-sized Easy-Bake oven to release the adhesive. That, by itself, is one whole pelican case.

[Sivah_Akash]

Regardless of which side is more correct, I love when there are discussions rather than debates in these circumstances.

[Dreyzie]

iFixit: we want right-to-repair
Apple: OK, we will give it you
(after few months, Apple showed up with the entire repair business)

[rushilkisoon]

I get iFixit’s point of view, but from what I’ve seen from other videos, the tools and machinery are there to ensure the proper IP rated seal. Sure you can do most repairs without all the tools, but it wouldn’t be “as good” as factory.

[BaconFaceMcGee]

The parts pairing is probably the worst part of a self repair that I’ve never done.

[AlexSinclair]

Really enjoyed this breakdown. Very nuanced and tackled a lot of angles for different types of people. Thank you!

[thefuturegamer]

It will be pretty interesting to see how things go with the iPhone 14 this fall with parts, will they still be locked down or will they not pair them at all?

[UnixDaemonKiller]

iFixit puts very nice step by step details on fixing pretty much anything, and links to purchasing parts for them.

[RAMBOLOGY]

Ifixit will always be needed in my opinion. Who's to say Apple won't turn its back on self repair the second things calm down. So keep on upholding DIY repair ifixit.

[fmis]

I find it invasive that Apple can boot the iPhone to Diagnostics mode over the phone, without touching it, just by the IMEI / S/N.