Apple Commences Offering iPhone 16 Replacement Components for Purchase
If you've got an iPhone 16 and decided to shatter it, you're in for some good news: Apple is now selling replacement parts like cameras, displays, and batteries for its latest iPhone models. After facing years of pressure from repairability advocates, the tech giant has become more flexible in allowing customers to fix their devices on their own.
A new camera assembly will set you back $169 for the standard iPhone 16 or $249 for the larger 16 Pro and Pro Max. Displays can range from $279 to $379, depending on the model and size. Batteries cost $99 or $119 for the 16 Pro, but you can get a discount if you return Apple your old battery—prices drop to around $60 for the Pro model. A defective camera part will cost you around $189 if you choose to replace it. Head over to Apple's official replacement site to check pricing, including any return credits.
If you don't possess the necessary tools to conduct the repair, Apple offers to rent you the battery repair device that its skilled technicians use.
Apple established its self-service repair program in 2022, granting customers access to parts, tools, and manuals for repairing select iPhones and Macs. The tech giant had historically restricted repairs to authorized technicians, citing concerns that unauthorized technicians might cause damage or harm the Apple brand. However, this stance contradicted Apple's sustainability commitment, as the company's restrictions made repairs more expensive and led to an increase in device discards. An open market eventually drives costs down and makes it easier for people to keep their devices for longer.
Luckily, pressure from advocates has led Apple to unlock repair manuals and parts for everyone, with plans to introduce enhanced support for affordable third-party components that can extend the lifespan of devices. Data suggests that consumers are now upgrading their devices less frequently.
Apple deserves kudos for creating devices that are incredibly durable, which only increases their value. However, as customers hold on to their devices longer, Apple has been making up the lost revenue by expanding its services offerings, where it charges recurring subscriptions for products like Apple One. Apple recently unveiled Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI tools built into iOS that demand the latest hardware, potentially encouraging users to upgrade to an iPhone 15 or newer.
In the future, Apple might expand its self-service repair program to include enhanced support for affordable third-party components, as per their plans. With the introduction of Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI tools, users might be encouraged to upgrade to newer devices like the iPhone 15 to fully utilize its features.
