From 7 to 4: iFixit has downgraded the iPhone 14's repairability rating after a year

Despite the fact that the iPhone 14 smartphone came out a year ago and was tested for repair difficulty back then, iFixit experts have revised its repairability rating and lowered it significantly.

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A year ago, iFixit praised the iPhone 14 for its updated internal design, which makes it easier to repair the gadget. The smartphone received a disassembly score of 7 out of a possible 10 and became Apple's most repairable model in recent years - since the iPhone 7.

However, after that the surprises began, which, however, are not surprising from Apple. The fact is that the company imposes software restrictions on the installation of unofficial parts. If you install a screen or other components that are not approved by Apple, the smartphone will show pop-ups that the iPhone uses non-original parts. This can even lead to limitations on some features.

One of the most striking examples is that replacing the rear glass panel will require software verification by Apple.

On top of that, Apple forces independent repair shops that are part of the Independent Repair Provider programme to send customers' personal information and agree to five-year inspections.

That's why iFixit lab, despite the fact that it's been a year, lowered the iPhone 14's repairability score from 7 to 4.

Source: iFixit
Image: IDG