There are many rules that Apple has for its devices and gadgets, and one of the most frustrating is that you can’t get your iPhone screen repaired by anyone other than Apple. That’s about to change, as Apple will now start allowing third-party screen repair and battery replacement.
Apple’s “Longevity by Design”
All smartphone owners know the frustration of dropping a phone, picking it up gingerly, then seeing a hairline crack that you know is only going to grow. Sure, you can go down to a local repair shop and get it fixed quickly, but Apple didn’t allow you to do that within warranty – until now.
Apple has released documentation showing that the goal is no longer to block any third-party involvement into the repair service. The goal is now “longevity” of the device and reaching that goal in the safest way possible.
“The ability to repair a device and access repair services are important considerations when designing long-lasting products,” states the Longevity by Design documentation. “However, optimizing for repairability alone may not yield the best outcome for our customers or the environment.”
The design of Apple devices is paramount to the company, with the ability to repair factoring in, as well as the impact on the environment; the safety, security, and privacy of customers, and transparency in repair.
The company points to the iPhone 15 lineup as the “most repairable ever.” Apple redesigned the structure of the iPhone to allow the back glass to be repaired more easily. In fact, 10 other key modules can be repaired, including the battery, cameras, and the screen. Apple states that allowing the back glass to be repaired lowered the cost of the repair by more than 60 percent. Efforts are underway to improve the repairability of Mac laptops, iPads, and Apple Watches as well.
Tip: did your phone get wet? Apple says not to put it in rice.
Access to Repair Services
There is a concerted effort by Apple to “solve the issue as quickly as possible” when it comes to repairs. The company has doubled its service and repair network over the past five years and launched ”Self Service Repair” two years ago.
Apple added in the documentation that they are “committed to continuing to support customers who choose to use third-party repair services, parts, and repair tools so that their repair is completed to the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) standards and with the highest post-repair reliability possible.”
“Apple warranties are not impacted by repair outside of Apple’s authorized network or through the use of third-party parts or third-party tools, unless the product is damaged during the course of the repair. We will not actively disable a third-party part designed to be manufactured to the same specifications of our products, unless it impacts customer security and privacy, which is currently limited to biometric parts.
This means, if you opt for a third-party screen repair, your warranty will not be voided, as long as the repair service upholds Apple’s quality of the parts.
The lack of quality is seen in third-party batteries. Apple reported that the majority of batteries tested failed to meet the safety requirements of the OEM batteries, and noted the safety risks.
Thirty-three brands of third-party batteries from throughout the world were tested. UL found that 88 percent of them “caught fire or exploded in at least one of the tests that OEM batteries are required to pass.” 100 percent of the batteries sourced from North America failed at least one test.
This is why Apple feels it must notify users when a third-party battery was installed. They want users to know of the safety risks, though Apple “does not disable the use of third-party batteries.” To Apple, transparency is king.
All of the information contained in the documentation is important for Apple’s customers to know. The company has received its share of flak regarding its policies for third-party screen repair and battery replacement. The company is opening that policy, but it still must stick to its policies of longevity and safety. Learn how to have your iPhone notify you that the Battery is at 80% to extend its lifespan.
Image credit: Unsplash
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