Apple's plan to sell parts and allow consumers to repair their own products is a major switch from their "do not tamper" policy. And it's being met with some skepticism. Photo by Sung Jin Cho on Unsplash.
NEW YORK — Keani Melendez is an Apple fanatic. She was intrigued when she heard the news that Apple would let consumers repair their own devices. “It could be a win or lose situation. It’ll save people time from going to places to fix their phone if they have to option to do it themselves,” the Pace University student said. “Certain tools may be expensive since the individual has to now buy individual pieces that’ll be needed to fix such a complex phone. It’s a very smart investment, but also has its wins and losses. Trial and error may need to be conducted.”
The Apple Self-Service Repair Online Store will offer over 200 individual parts and tools for consumers to make their repairs. This service will be available for both iPhone 12 and the iPhone 13. In the future, the company plans to let you repair other Mac products.
Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, said in an online message that customers would have greater access to their parts. “In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, and now we’re providing an option for those who wish to complete their own repairs.”
Dr. Frederick Brodzinski, a professor at the City College of New York (CCNY), specializes in business and management affairs. He sees this as an opportunity for the company to evolve. “Apple will benefit as owners. I feel that customers can repair their phones for less cost, and even growing more connected to Apple,” he said. “They will grow, opening a new market for Apple and other phone companies will have to follow.”
But some believe there could be consequences that Apple may be overlooking.
Alexandra Eller, a City College student, wouldn’t try Apple’s new phone repair service. “I don’t think I would do it because my fingers just suck at those things. I’ve done it before when I broke my screen and I replaced it. But it could never work the same for me again. The phone just got glitchier.” Eller has always been careful when it comes to delicate products like Apple. “I surprisingly haven’t had a lot of issues with Apple products because I try to take good care of them. It’s just too expensive to be careless with.”
Anthony Ruiz, another City College student said, “I’m not really sure if fixing my phone by myself would be the first solution I would go to. So no, I don’t think I’ll use it.” Ruiz doesn’t think he has the skills to do the repairs, despite being loyal to Apple for most of his life. “I imagine Apple will try to make the process of fixing your own phone as easy as possible. Depending on why my phone needs fixing, it might be hard,” he said.
With Apple’s new service being released in early 2022 in the United States, students like Ruiz think this could turn into a rip-off for people. “They must know many of us are not equipped with the knowledge to fix a smartphone. I’m left wondering, why are we paying so much money for these devices, and then fixing them on our own as well,” he said.
Tags: Apple Products Apple Self-Service Repair Online Store CCNY CUNY Journalism DIY iPhone The City College of New York
