[Sebb767]

Honestly, how? They provide the parts at a reasonable price and even provide the actual tooling they use to get something as close to OEM repair as possible. There are a lot of things faulty at Apple, but this is not one of them.

[ClumsyPilot]

Can you buy the $5 lighting port if your's has broken? Can you buy the $2 charging chip? Can you buy a microphone, a gyroscope, or any of the 50 individual electronic components for either phones, laptops or tablets? Can you at least by the micropone jack?

I rest my case.

[Sebb767]

The original comment said:

> It's designed to scare people away from doing the repairs themselves.

I don't think the program is perfect, but I don't see how missing components scare people away.

[kcplate]

I’m gonna assume from your name that you might understand what I am about to say— I think you may be demanding SRU and SRCs where LRUs are appropriate.

[samsa]

I suppose "scare" was perhaps too strong a word. "Steer" would have been more appropriate. Search Apple's website for "repair" to get a sense of how important they think letting consumers know about this program is.

You'll find 404 responses when you click on repair manual links; the link to the self service repair is at the bottom of the support page; the self service storefront is very deliberately non-descript and as others have mentioned immediately raises red flags for people trained to look for basic clues about a site's legitimacy. Etc.

[fargle]

The issue is that the owners of a device should have the choice whether they want an OEM quality repair or just "good enough", not Apple. It's just not their position to make this decision for you.

The argument will be made that the "App Store" is there to protect you because security/privacy. And the DRM'd components are there to protect you from cheap chinese knockoffs. I think that's fine as long as it's opt-in.

But no, it's not for your protection - it's to control the market and drive the cost of repair higher so you will forced to buy a new phone more often. This is a blatant case of "OK you demanded right-to-repair, so let's show you how to make it as difficult as possible". It's not grudging - it's willful and spiteful.

[Brian_K_White]

But they don't. Comments like this proves the effectiveness of the pr stunt. This kit of tools is not what anyone asked for or needed, and does not address any of the actual problems with repairing Apple products.

[Sebb767]

If definitely does address some. As Louis correctly points out, if you don't have much skill and/or want an OEM-like repair, having those tools available is great. And if you don't need them, Apple doesn't force them onto you. I honestly think it's great that they offer their tooling for rent. Now, the program is not perfect by any means. But it definitely does address some of the problems with repairing Apple products.

Lastly, as I already pointed out in a sister comment, the grandparent said the program is designed to scare people away from repairing their phone. I actually don't see how. In fact, providing the tooling makes it more accessible than just providing the parts. I'd love to see everything replaceable, but this is a step in the right direction.