California is asking Apple to explain why the company does not allow users to repair their phones

Companies that prevent the DIY-repair of their devices and systems have long been known. First of all, it is a manufacturer of tractors and agricultural equipment John Deere. This company is a true professional in the repair bans, which was repeatedly written to Geektimes. In addition, Apple also creates problems for users who want to repair their devices.

In the case of the Cupertini company, this is not a direct ban on repairs ( although ...). But Apple does not sell parts in open access, anyone can not buy them. Yes, you can purchase a used item or a new part, which is a replica of the original. However, you cannot buy a new screen directly from Apple. Original parts are only certified service centers.

In the US, they have been trying to stop this practice for a long time, forcing Apple to sell its parts to anyone who may need them. In addition, the company has ways to get the user to contact their own service centers. For example, in the iPhone with a button equipped with a fingerprint sensor (models 5s to 7) there is a chip that “monitors” which motherboard is installed in the phone. If the one with which the button was originally supplied, the sensor will work. If the button is rearranged to another phone, or to order a replica of the button in China, the sensor stops working. In the "sevens", in addition to the sensor, the button itself will refuse to function, so it will have to use the on-screen one.

The ability to reflash the button so that it works with the new phone, only Apple has, for this purpose, specialized systems are used that are secret (there are a minimum of photos of such devices in the network). The Chinese button is on eBay a few dollars, and this is a complete copy of the original, and you can put it yourself, it is not very difficult. But if you need a dactyloscopic sensor, you will need to contact Apple's service center, where a few dozen, if not a hundred, US dollars will be taken to replace the sensor correctly.

Apple says that "protectionist policies" are caused by customer care. Allegedly, the company does not want its phones to be repaired by non-professionals, which will cause damage to the image of Apple - after all, poorly repaired phones will work poorly. Well, in fact, the corporation just gets a lot of money from its service centers and does not want the river to suddenly dry up money.


Companies that advocate or oppose Apple’s policy.

Users don’t like it very much, therefore in the USA they are actively fighting Apple’s repair policy.. Lawsuits have been filed in 11 US states, and several more are being prepared right now. Consumer Technology Association, representing the interests of service centers and electronics manufacturers, is also opposed to Apple’s policy, because unauthorized service centers and vendors are simply unable to carry out repairs at the level of those organizations that have been certified by the corporation.

It is clear that not only Apple, but also a large number of other, large and not very large, companies earns on service repair and maintenance.

Now legislators, in particular, senators have paid attention to the problem. Thus, California senator Susan Talamantes-Eggman announced her intention to submit a bill., obliging companies like Apple, Microsoft, John Deere and Samsung to sell their parts to anyone. Also, the bill will provide an opportunity to carry out equipment diagnostics with the help of licensed service software to any service centers and independent stores.



“Apple is a very important company for the state of California, and I respect her very much. But I would like to hear from them an explanation of why we cannot repair our own things, and how much damage the company can cause to change such a policy, ”the senator said. It will fight not only for the rights of owners of electronics, but also for the rights of the same owners of tractors, which are restricted by John Deere.

Interestingly, even Apple authorized service centers have no right to carry out complex repair of devices. If, for example, the backlight of the phone screen stops working, the service center must send such a gadget to Apple, where the company will repair or replace it. Of course, hundreds and thousands of craftsmen do not pay any attention to the ban, but this is a violation of Apple’s policy, for which, in theory, the company can sue.

If the prohibitive policy of monopolists is removed, the repair and maintenance of their systems and devices will become much cheaper, which, of course, buyers want. It is rather strange that the owner of a device or mechanism cannot do anything with it, but is obliged to seek permission from the manufacturing company or the license holder.