As we step into 2024, it's likely that many of us consider purchasing extended warranties or accident insurance when buying a new phone.
Why, you ask? Well, even with all the fancy tech, the risk of dropping your smartphone and shattering that large screen is still significant.
So, investing in extended warranties and accident insurance becomes crucial.
This is especially true for Apple users. Without an AppleCare+ service plan, the repair costs for iPhones can be exorbitant.
For instance, repairing both the screen and back panel of an iPhone 15 Pro Max could set you back a whopping 4099 RMB!
Source: Apple Official Website
However, as the saying goes, where there's a will, there's a way. With official repairs being so pricey, naturally, third-party accessory businesses have sprung up.
But oh, Apple isn't one to turn a blind eye. Losing out on lucrative opportunities doesn't sit well with them.
When it comes to parts repairs, Apple has been jumping back and forth, loosening policies one moment and tightening them the next, sparking controversy.
Most recently, Apple has officially responded to this matter, which directly affects everyone's interests. Let's dive into it today.
As previously mentioned, repair costs for Apple electronic products are high without the support of an AppleCare+ service plan.
Perhaps in consideration of those who prefer not to purchase AC+ but are adept at DIY repairs, Apple introduced the "Self-Service Repair Program" in 2022.
Starting with the iPhone 12/13, Apple will provide individual consumers with genuine Apple parts, tools, and repair manuals.
Skilled consumers can purchase parts and rent toolkits to repair their iPhone 12/13 themselves.
Image Source: Apple Official Website
However, the barrier to entry is high, as the fully equipped Apple self-repair tool rental kit weighs over 70 pounds and is capable of repairing iPhone 12/13 and iPhone SE 3rd generation.
According to media reports, renting the toolkit requires a payment of $49 (approximately ¥354 RMB) and a deposit of nearly $1300 (approximately ¥9408 RMB).
Subsequently, Apple has gradually expanded support for the "self-repair program" to include models such as MacBook and the latest iPhones.
Image Source: YouTube@AppleInsider
Some might think, "Why not just rent repair tools and use third-party parts to fix my phone and save some money?"
Nope, not anymore. Since October 2022, Apple has been using an 18-digit serial number format for repair parts of new iPhones, Macs, Apple Watches, and other electronic products, a process known as "part serialization."
Part serialization means all parts of a manufacturer's products have synchronized serial numbers. If a third-party part is detected with a mismatched serial number, the corresponding functionality support won't be provided.
So, while Apple seems to be offering consumers a choice, in reality, consumers have no real alternative and might as well go to official repair services.
Apple's "part serialization" has sparked controversy. For instance, in December 2022, the Planned Obsolescence Association in France began an investigation. The association accuses Apple of implementing a "part serialization" scheme, leading to parts becoming "planned obsolete."
Source: Sina Hot Topics
In addition to third-party organizations speaking out, even the U.S. state of Oregon has joined the fray.
In March of this year, Oregon officially enacted the new Repair Act—SB 1596, which explicitly prohibits device manufacturers from using "part serialization" solutions in electronic products since July 1, 2015.
Well, this law is quite significant as it is the first in the entire United States to ban "part serialization."
For companies like Apple, who lead in using "part serialization" solutions, this is undoubtedly unwelcome news.
Apple explains that "part serialization" is not for monopolizing, but rather to make repairs easier, while also incidentally protecting product and data security during repairs.
In short, controversies have arisen around Apple's introduction of the "part serialization" scheme, generating quite a bit of debate.
Image Source: Weibo @SinaTech
After much clamor, Apple seems to have heeded the call and finally relaxed its repair process.
On April 11th, Apple announced in a press release on its official website that there will be significant changes to its parts repair policy starting this fall.
Source: Apple Official Website
Firstly, Apple will now support consumers in using official second-hand parts to repair their iPhones, with no restrictions on functionality, ensuring they perform just like original parts.
This means that components such as batteries, which were previously restricted, can now be freely replaced by consumers without affecting the device's functionality.
Secondly, for repairs not involving the logic board, consumers will no longer need to provide the device's serial number when purchasing parts, simplifying the repair process.
So, this should be Apple's specific response to previous third-party entities and SB 1596 legislation, right?
Image Source: Apple Official Website
However, there are some limitations imposed by Apple.
For instance, in consideration of consumer data security, Apple prohibits the pairing of third-party components related to Face ID and Touch ID.
Image Source: techcrunch.com
Additionally, if non-genuine parts are used for iPhone repairs, the "Parts and Service History" section will appear in the "General" - "About" settings on the phone, reminding the user that non-genuine parts have been installed on the iPhone.
Apple stated that this move is aimed at transparency in repairs, as users who purchase second-hand or multiple-hand phones have the right to know about the repair history of the phone.
Source: techcrunch.com
Finally, Apple is also set to roll out an "Activation Lock" feature in its components to prevent lost or stolen iPhones from being dismantled and sold as parts.
Once a repaired device is detected to contain parts belonging to another already activated device, the functionalities of those parts will be rendered unusable.
This new feature sounds great, Xiao Lei can give it a five-star rating!
Image Source: techcrunch.com
It's worth noting that the above changes have not yet appeared on Apple's official website in mainland China, so it's necessary to keep an eye on further developments.
With the collaboration of consumers, third-party organizations, and new laws from the courts, Apple has relaxed some of its policies.
For example, in response to the controversy surrounding "part serialization" in recent days, Apple's actions have favored third-party repairers.
To some extent, Apple's commitment to consumer privacy protection and part security does make sense. However, consumers also want the freedom to choose when it comes to repairing their devices, especially considering the relatively high prices for official repairs. So, if both sides compromise a bit, the situation improves significantly. It seems like Apple might need a little push in the right direction going forward! Cover image source: Apple
