iFixit praises Apple Self Service Repair program, but says it falls short of Right to Repair goals

After months of waiting, Apple is finally rolling out its self-service repair program for selected iPhone models in the US. Starting now, users can buy parts of iPhone 12, 13, and SE 3 directly from Apple, but is it worth it? Here’s what iFixit has to say about the program.

iFixit is well-known for teaching people how to fix tech products; it’s also famous for giving repair scores for Apple’s new products and showing us what’s inside of them. Elizabeth Chamberlain, iFixit’s founder and CEO, says that this program is fantastic. She says it “enables more people to repair tech products is great news”. But there is a catch.

The biggest problem? Apple has increased the number of parts-paired strategies, which means that only a few serial numbers can be used for authorized repairs. You cannot purchase key parts without a serial number or IMEI. If you use an aftermarket part, there’s an “unable to verify” warning waiting for you. This tactic impedes third-party repairs with scare tactics, feature loss, and can limit the options available to recyclers or refurbishers. It could also shorten the cycle of economic growth.

Over the next year, Apple plans to extend the program to M1 MacBooks and also to European customers, with other products and markets coming on a later date. The company will also support older iPhone models, although it’s not clear when.

Chamberlain praises the program by saying iFixit is really happy to see “Apple making repair manuals available for everyone for free online. (…) The manuals are written with these heavy-duty tools in mind, even though it’s hard to imagine that most DIY fixers would want to go through the expense or hassle of acquiring this much equipment.” But, also, there’s a catch, as iFixit claims the program “doesn’t do what Right to Repair legislation around the world aims to do.”

While it is a significant step towards repair and an important change for Apple’s leadership, it doesn’t accomplish what Right to Repair legislation all over the globe aims to. A true right to repair will give independent repair shops a chance to compete in the repair marketplace, bringing down the cost of repairs for everyone. Unfortunately, this program expands the freedom to repair with one hand, while locking the door with the other. Integrating a serial number check into their checkout process is a dire omen and could allow Apple the power to block even more repairs in the future. Building the technology to provision individual repairs easily sets Apple up as the gateway to approve–or deny–any repairs in the future, with parts from any source.

You can read the detailed report here.