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Apple's iPhone Self Service Repair Program: Everything to Know

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Apr 12, 2001
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Apple in April 2022 launched a Self Service Repair program for the iPhone, which is designed to allow Apple device owners to do their own repairs in their homes using Apple parts, repair manuals, and tools.

apple-self-service-repair-text.jpg

In this guide, we walk through everything you need to know about the Self Repair program, including whether it's worth it to use over alternative repair options.

Devices That Can Be Self Repaired

At the current time, the Self Service Repair program covers several recent iPhone generations, including the iPhone 12 models, iPhone 13 models, and the 2022 iPhone SE. A full list of covered iPhone models is below:
  • iPhone 13
  • iPhone 13 mini
  • iPhone 13 Pro
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12
  • iPhone 12 mini
  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone SE (2022)
Select Mac laptops including the M1 MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro from 2020 and the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models from 2021 are also included in supported countries, while support for the 2021 24-inch iMac, 2020 Mac mini, and 2022 Mac Studio, as well as the Apple Studio Display is limited to the United States at the current time.

Initiating a Repair

The first step in initiating a repair is to check out the repair manual for the device that you want to repair in order to get an idea of what it entails. You'll need to skim through it to get the repair manual code that's inside, which is the next step of the repair process.

apple-self-repair-store.jpg

After reviewing the manual, you can visit the Self Service Repair Store to input the device that you want to repair and the component that needs repairing. Apple will show you the repair parts and tools that you need for the repair, along with pricing information.

You can add the components that you need to the cart on the website and check out to get them shipped directly to you. Note that almost all of the repairs require specialized tools that you can purchase individually or rent from Apple in a toolkit for $49.

Note that the repair store is not operated by Apple and is instead run by a third-party provider, SPOT.

Accessing Repair Manuals

To get to a repair manual, you just need to visit Apple's Self Service Repair website. From there, click on the "Apple Repair Manuals" link under "Support." You can also click below to get directly to the manual that you're looking for. Note that all of the links are PDFs on Apple's site.


Each repair manual explains how the repair process works and it walks through the parts that are available for purchase. Repair manuals include details on how to set up for a repair, the steps required, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Components That Can Be Repaired

Apple's manuals, tools, and components are available for the following repairs for each iPhone:
  • Battery
  • Bottom speaker and rubber gasket
  • Camera and cowling
  • Display and adhesive
  • Security screws
  • SIM tray
  • Taptic Engine
  • Upper and lower cowlings
If another iPhone component is broken, it is not able to be self repaired and will need to be taken to an Apple Store, Apple Authorized Service Provider, or an independent repair shop.

Supported Mac models include several dozen parts that can be replaced, including casings, fans, speakers, circuit boards, display, sensors, trackpad, and more.

Tool Kit Rentals

Almost all of the repairs require specialized tools designed by Apple, and they can be obtained through renting one of Apple's repair kits. Repair kits are $49 to rent, but you have to put down a ~$1,200 deposit to ensure you return the repair kit... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: Apple's iPhone Self Service Repair Program: Everything to Know
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/guide/self-service-repair/
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"At the end of the repair, it turned out to be more expensive than having Apple do the battery replacement"
Click to expand...

No way. A battery replacement costs at least 50€ here in Italy, and if Apple really gives you back 25€ or something after sending them your old battery, then not only it's not true that it costs more by fixing it yourself, but indeed it costs half the price.
 
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Nah man I going for ifixit kit and youtube, much cheaper and youtube walkthroughs are enough it isnt that difficult you must have some sort of brain injury to think changing an iphone battery replacement is a difficult procedure
 
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Villarrealadrian said:
Nah man I going for ifixit kit and youtube, much cheaper and youtube walkthroughs are enough it isnt that difficult you must have some sort of brain injury to think changing an iphone battery replacement is a difficult procedure
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ahahahahhaha thats whats up. Homie was like "never had success with this stuff before" and then rips open that pelican case
 
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Apple was right after all, I can't believe I ever supported the right to repair movement. Only certified Apple experts should be doing this job. Stop smiling Tim, I'm being sarcastic.
 
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haunebu said:
Of course they would make this as onerous as possible.
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Ok? Onerous means burdensome. How is this a ‘burden’ to the consumer? Apple is offering an alternative to the consumer, but they still have the choice of having the repair/replacement direct through Apple. And that’s a burden having a secondary option?

In what ways would you suggest then, that would make this more accommodating to the average consumer to make these repairs on a more simplistic level? I mean, they literally give you all the necessary tools & instructions to make a thorough and complete repair/replacement.
 
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Relentless Power said:
Ok? Onerous means burdensome. How is this a ‘burden’ to the consumer? Apple is offering an alternative to the consumer, but they still have the choice of having the repair/replacement direct through Apple. And that’s a burden having a secondary option?

In what ways would you suggest then, that would make this more accommodating to the average consumer to make these repairs on a more simplistic level? I mean, they literally give you all the necessary tools & instructions to make a thorough and complete repair/replacement.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I agree. There are two types of repairs, those that watch a video and replace the parts and the other is a certified repair procedure by the manufacturer. If a DIY is looking to repair their phones that matches what Apple requires then their repair kits are mandatory.

If I owned an iPhone and needed a new battery I would just take it to an Apple store or a Best Buy and let them do it for $69.
 
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Le0M said:
No way. A battery replacement costs at least 50€ here in Italy, and if Apple really gives you back 25€ or something after sending them your old battery, then not only it's not true that it costs more by fixing it yourself, but indeed it costs half the price.
Click to expand...
The battery itself is 71.13$, and they give you back 24.15$ if you return your old battery, so the net cost for the battery is 46.98$. But you have to factor in the cost of rental for the display heating machine, which is 49$ by itself. So in total, you're paying about 100$ for a battery replacement (+ the time you have to put in to actually change the battery), whereas paying in an Apple Store for battery service is 69$, all included (and with the peace of mind of not breaking something in your phone). So it's only worth it if you already own such heating device.

It's not likely that the pricing in Europe will be different
 
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As I was reading this, the first thing that popped into my head was… “is it April 1st??”
 
Le0M said:
No way. A battery replacement costs at least 50€ here in Italy, and if Apple really gives you back 25€ or something after sending them your old battery, then not only it's not true that it costs more by fixing it yourself, but indeed it costs half the price.
Click to expand...
In poland for battery replacement you pay at Apple 75$ (Idream )
Selfservice repair will be better if you do a screen plus battery for yourself and another battery for wife and her sis
Minimum 3-4 things for 7 days rental kit period.
Another story is where are you live…
If you based on countryside apple kit is very good option anyway
 
FelixDerKater said:
Just go ahead and make them more repairable out of the gate.
Click to expand...
That would require a complete re-design of the phone. Devices of all kind are usually designed to be easily assembled or easily repaired. Apple went with the former. That means glue and tape and special tool requirements. The alternative is a thicker/larger phone.
 
fwmireault said:
The battery itself is 71.13$, and they give you back 24.15$ if you return your old battery, so the net cost for the battery is 46.98$. But you have to factor in the cost of rental for the display heating machine, which is 49$ by itself. So in total, you're paying about 100$ for a battery replacement (+ the time you have to put in to actually change the battery), whereas paying in an Apple Store for battery service is 69$, all included (and with the peace of mind of not breaking something in your phone). So it's only worth it if you already own such heating device.

It's not likely that the pricing in Europe will be different
Click to expand...
I changed battery several times in different iPhones, and I never used that heating machine, so that would be a cost I wouldn't pay.
 
haunebu said:
Of course they would make this as onerous as possible.
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It is frustrating how a company that has often ridden the wave of user friendly design apparently had its legal team write the repair manuals.

This has been the company's shtick for a long while. It stands up a publicly popular initiative that clearly only benefits the company from a PR perspective and abandons any support beyond (as you said) an onerous flimsy legally ridden document an a shiny poster.
 
Le0M said:
I changed battery several times in different iPhones, and I never used that heating machine, so that would be a cost I wouldn't pay.
Click to expand...
On that new software feature where they show if any part was replaced on the iPhone they should specify it was Apple, AASP or self-repair.

One can change the battery on a 12/13 (sticker adhesive than older models) with a hair dryer, guitar pick, suction cup and a Philips/try-wing but it isn't the same.
 
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