[sushicat]

Based on my repair experience back in China, I understand and support Apple doing this. My opinion is based on the personal experience I had before, and I support people with different opinions.

Back the days (and I still believe it's the case right now) in China there are a lot of phone repair shops ran by individuals or small businesses, and those shops are not certified by any programs, they "operate" by someone has skills to repair electronics. I was tricked by them multiple times.

The first time I was repairing my Nokia N95 with a broken screen (N95 has an exposed "soft" screen), I sent it in to one of those shops; a few hours later, I got a call with an estimated price, and I accepted. Until months later I realized the price they charged me almost doubled the price it supposed to be if I went to a Nokia office service center. I agree I had some fault on this one, but I'm not a pro-consumer that knows everything.

The second time I was repairing a SE M608. Based on the lesson from last time, I refused the price they gave to me and want to get another quote from SE certified repair center. Then the latter told me my phone's internal components was swapped and no longer the original one. I suppose that was done overnight in the repair shop after I refuse their price.

Not to mention my friend got working components in her phone "repaired".

Then I never go to independent or 3rd party repair shops anymore, no matter they're certified or not, because I don't trust them.

I know HN have lots of people know how to repair stuff or able to learn from iFixit, but that's not for everyone. I strongly support Apple put more control and audit to the IRP or ASP to make sure they don't trick their customers. On the other hand, I also think Apple should sell repair components directly on their website, so anyone can repair by themselves if they want to.

[userbinator]

My repair experience in China was completely the opposite, and I think you made the first mistake: leaving the device with the shop for any length of time and out of your sight.

Some time ago, in Shenzhen, I saw a friend get his laptop component-level-troubleshooted and repaired while we waited and watched. It was a busy shop too, with multiple stalls and a lineup of others waiting for service.

[xhruso00]

I have different experience in China. I have been to Shenzhen where is the biggest market for Apple and I couldn’t believe my eyes. Battery replaced in minutes and I could have watched them. The only thing they said is that I need to bring my own battery - there were numerous sellers on the same floor. I also bought my iPhone XR (2nd hand) for a very cheap price and there is diagnostic for free (computers that have licensed software).

Now when I was asked to pay 400eur for battery replacement for MBP that has double the value I declined. I replaced it myself for some 3rd party battery.