Apple launched their new Self Service Repair Program back in April which allows iPhone users to order parts and do their own repairs using repair manuals and tool kits provided by Apple.
But to some, this repair process seemed overly difficult and we feel like it will just be better if you take your device to Apple Support at the Apple Store instead of repairing it yourself.
Products available for Self Service Repair Program
Currently the Self Service Repair Program is only available for these products listed below which include the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and the third generation iPhone SE models. Apple does plan to add more devices to the list later.
The only components you can repair by yourself include the battery, camera, SIM tray, display, Taptic Engine, and bottom speaker grills.
How to start the repair process
To start off your repair, go visit the online Self Service Repair Store and check the manuals for which device you want to repair and what parts and tools you will need for the repair.
Tool kits
You can also rent an Apple Tool Kit for $49 to get access to all the tools you will need for your repair. Apple will also charge an authorization fee for the tool kit and will return it back to your account once the repair kits are returned through UPS and are in good shape. You will have seven days with the tool kits to perform your repair.
Tools from Apple are also available for purchase and some tools might not be included in the tool kit.
Accessing repair manuals
You can also access repair manuals through the Apple Self Service Repair Program website and find a PDF file for every device you can repair on the website to use as your guide during your repair.
Repair process
The repair can get a little bit tedious if you don't have any prior experience with repairing devices yourself. The Apple manual could also get confusing to those who don't know technical terms and who don't really know the inside of their iPhone really well. Apple even recommends to bring in your device for your repair to them instead of doing it yourself because of the amount of work it requires.
Part limits
Apple also limits the amount of parts you can buy from them by tying the parts to your iPhone's IMEI or serial number. You also can't purchase replacement parts for other products without providing an IMEI or serial number. An example of this will be how if you provide an iPhone SE IMEI or serial number, you can't purchase a display panel for the iPhone 13 Pro, you can only purchase parts for the iPhone SE.
Recycling old parts
Apple will also allow you to send back in your old parts to recycle for a discount on your repair. The old parts will also need to be in good shape for Apple to be able to use them in order for you to receive the discount.
Final thoughts
We believe that it's better if you take your device to the Apple Store to get repaired instead of doing it on your own since it will take a long time and will also require a lot of tools and expertise with technology for you to successfully repair your devices. On the other hand if you do have experience with repairing your devices it should be easy for you and you should find the process to be very efficient. We also think that small repairs could be manageable and less costly, but repairs like switching out your battery or replacing your iPhone's display can get difficult for the average customer.
Apple's Self Service Repair Program is good for those who want to experience what it feels like to repair their devices themselves but Apple recommends that you still visit them for your next repair and we think it's much cheaper and better to go to an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
