Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Apple’s Right to Repair

If you’ve ever faced an issue with an Apple iPhone, you may already know that Apple has previously had some very clear and restrictive regulations in place about repairing and replacing certain aspects of an iPhone.

It is not uncommon knowledge that once an iPhone has had the screen replaced by anyone except an Apple specialist, the brand ceases all responsibility in terms of warranty and repair. Similarly, the battery in early models of the iPhone right up to a few years ago was unable to be removed, meaning that unless consumers wanted to pay high prices for Apple’s own repair process, they might as well simply buy a new model. This, beyond being a huge inconvenience and expense, made certain aspects of the second hand Apple iPhone market guarantee challenging, to say the least.

Recently, Apple has revised some of its regulations with a right to repair model – which essentially makes repair work more affordable and more accessible to customers. Here’s all you need to know about the right to repair clause and how it works.

What is the right to repair?

In essence, the right to repair refers to a change in policy which makes Apple iPhones in particular more sustainable in the modern market – where reusing products is more important and on-trend than ever before. Once upon a time, it was common knowledge that Apple didn’t make life easy for those seeking repair work on an iPhone, in fact, some issues were nigh on impossible to fix.

The right to repair movement not only makes it possible for customers to get their smartphones repaired rather than needing to replace them outright but also improves overall accessibility to the components and parts which are required to make these repairs. In an effort to make the technology industry more sustainable from the inside out, this movement lets iPhone owners make the fixes they need on their own phones and devices to prolong their lifespan and also makes it possible for faulty devices to be refurbished by third party organisations like Tech Tiger and others, preparing products for resale.

The demand for this kind of service availability has been high for years and has seen a huge uptake in popularity as a concept amid the need for a better approach to e-waste and technology sustainability. Environmental activists and groups have been seeking a chance like this for some time, with Apple leading the way and encouraging similar change across other manufacturers and brands.

How does it work in action?

Let’s say that you have had the same Apple iPhone for years, and while the overall function is good you are finding that the battery has become far less efficient over time and with prolonged use. The right to repair means that instead of having to needlessly replace the entire phone to exercise better and more consistent battery life, you as a consumer can access a new battery which will allow you to switch it out and elevate the usability of your own phone from home.

Similarly, for those who want to sell an unwanted and older phone or device to a reseller site like Tech Tiger, this same movement empowers us to make refurbishment adjustments to the devices to maximise their usability as a second hand device.

The result is one of great environmental significance and is sure to contribute towards a reduction in e-waste as well as user satisfaction. And the best thing? All of this is partnered with an agreement that Apple’s warranty will now cover repairs that have been made by the owners themselves, as well as within the store.

What do you think of Apple’s right to repair movement? Is it something that you celebrate as an advocate of preloved and second hand smartphones and devices?