The price is ‘expensive’ compared to the store, the end result is ‘not like a dream’
Last month, Apple began rolling out a self-repair program, allowing users to use supported tools to repair their iPhones at home. The move drew great attention when it was announced because it was a new turning point for the repair movement, urging technology companies to provide resources so users can ‘revive’ their electronic devices. mine.
However, for those who have little experience in repairing electronic devices, the experience is extremely scary. So, through the experience of repairing iPhone at home by author Brian X.Chen from the New York Times, it gives a more honest look at Apple’s new program.
“I started by going to the self-repair program’s website (selfservicerepair.com). There I found the service manual for the iPhone 12 I wanted to repair and ordered tools. The instructions are relatively detailed and easy to understand.
I went through the instructions for my iPhone 12. The steps seem simple: Use a de-glue machine and pry the phone screen off, remove the screws and battery, use another device to install a new battery, then put everything back together and use a third device. to squeeze the phone together.
To participate in the iPhone self-repair program, the costs that I need to spend include $49 to rent a kit, $69 to buy a new battery, $2 to buy glue, $0.15 to buy screws, and with $1,210 deposit. All furniture is shipped to my house by Apple after 7 days.
A few days later, when the delivery man brought two bulky boxes and left them at his door, he wondered what was inside.
“It’s a device for people to repair their iPhones at home,” I said.
However, he looked at me with a suspicious look.

Apple repair box with full tools.
The devices that Apple leases are professional equipment used in its stores. Inside the box there are 3 machines, all heavy and bulky. I have never used anything like that before. Therefore, I contacted Shakeel Taiyab, who has repaired electronic devices for my family in the past. Taiyab gave me another broken iPhone 12 so I could practice first.

Apple’s disassembler heats the iPhone to soften the adhesive before separating the screen from the case
We’ve been working on fixing this phone together. First, we unscrew the two screws on the bottom edge. Next is to heat the phone so that the screen glue melts. Then we used a plastic rod to separate the screen part from the chassis.

Mr. Taiyab removed the adhesive strips under the iPhone battery

Both use Apple’s laminating machine to press the new battery onto the adhesive strips
We continue to follow the instructions, disconnect the connection cable, remove the screw and battery. We got through all of the above with relative ease. However, here comes the nightmare that really happens.
With the above practical experience, I am excited to replace the battery for my iPhone 12. I quickly used the machine to melt the glue and began to separate the screen. However, Taiyab immediately stopped me.
“Have you removed the screws on the bottom?” he asked.
“Oh, no,” I said.
I quickly removed the two screws on the bottom and started the steps again. At this point, the screen does not appear to be affected. I redo the same steps as above. After replacing the battery with a new one, I reinstalled the components and used a press to secure the device. This is to ensure the water resistance of the device.
Then I plugged in my phone charger and turned it on. Flashing white lines begin to appear on the screen. The screen is broken. The reason is that I forgot to remove the two screws on the bottom edge before, while trying to separate the screen part from the frame.
Luckily, Taiyab has plenty of spare Apple screens. Within minutes, he took the phone apart, replaced the screen with another, and glued it back on.
Our surprise starts here. When the power is turned on, a message appears stating that the battery and screen have been replaced with components of unknown origin. This makes me feel very confused because the battery is a component that I have ordered genuine from Apple. The screen is also genuine, because it was taken from another iPhone.
I had to contact an Apple technician to get help with the problem. However, all attempts failed to turn off the notification. Then I had to rummage through the forums myself to find a solution. About 30 minutes later, the job was completed. The message about unknown battery also disappeared.
Apple says it welcomes feedback as it develops its self-repair program. I see this program as a nascent product with its pros and cons and the potential for better development.
There are several benefits that will make higher-quality, cheaper repairs for the user. Now, all independent repair technicians, including Mr. Taiyab, have access to Apple tools.
However, all of the above experiences are not simple. As can be seen, the repair program that Apple offers is not practical for most users. Even the total cost that I have to spend when repairing at home is higher than taking it to the stores or authorized Apple dealers.”
Reference: NYT
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