That’s why the iPhone 15 doesn’t pass the repair test

The new iPhone generation is here and with prices between 849 and 1,739 francs, some people are probably wondering how easy the new smartphone can be repaired. iFixit’s repairers took the new iPhone 15, took it apart and showed in the video that the new Apple phone – just like the iPhone 14 – is easier to open than previous models.

Because the back can be removed relatively easily, a weak battery, for example, can be replaced relatively easily – but there’s a big catch, as we’ll see in a moment. The more expensive 15 Pro and Pro Max models still require removing the fragile display to access the battery and other components. This makes repairs “slightly riskier than with the iPhone 14,” iFixit’s repairers write.

But something else causes stomach pain: In practice, the actual improved recoverability is negated by software blockages. This means that despite the iPhone’s more repairable design, Apple is making it harder than ever for consumers and independent repair shops to replace parts like the display, camera, or even just the battery.

iFixit therefore gives it only 4 out of a maximum 10 possible points and a “not recommended” rating.

Apple expands software blocks

The repair experts criticize that the motive behind this is profit. Because Apple’s software blocks for more and more components mean that private and independent repair shops can continue to use only new parts purchased directly from Apple for many repairs. However, the reuse of original parts from defective iPhones that actually still work perfectly is prevented by software, severely limiting do-it-yourself repairs and the work of independent repair shops. They often use spare parts from devices that are beyond repair. iFixit criticizes that Appel’s behavior increases the e-waste problem.

To illustrate their criticism, the repair experts show what happens if, for example, you remove the selfie camera from an iPhone 15 Pro Max and place it in another iPhone 15 Pro Max. “Unfortunately, replacing the front camera between two of our fifteen Pro Max devices resulted in a total failure,” iFixit writes.

Also when replacing other original parts, such as Touch ID, display, battery, main camera or USB-C port, (partial) loss of function or warning messages occur, as the image below from iFixit shows.

The table speaks volumes: Apple requires so-called parts pairing for more and more components. Only spare parts purchased from Apple can be paired with the iPhone and activated via Apple’s server.

In principle, it is understandable that Apple wants to avoid repairs with inferior replacement parts. However, iFixit is bothered by the fact that Apple, even for original parts, requires software linking of the replacement parts to protect its own repair and replacement parts business.

These software barriers are intended to restrict private and independent repair providers; For example, by using warning messages to prevent consumers from installing a still good original battery from a defective iPhone into another iPhone. If the same repair is performed by Apple, “the problem goes away,” iFixit writes.

This means that repair shops must purchase expensive replacement parts from Apple and then have the repair verified through a chat system that requires personal information from the customer. Cheaper repairs with original spare parts are made more difficult, which in turn creates false incentives to buy a new iPhone.

Apple’s approach is diametrically different from that of Fairphone, which creates incentives to repair the smartphone themselves with cheap spare parts.

As a result, iFixit says, “The biggest threat to repairs is no longer stubborn glue or proprietary screws,” but rather Apple’s “restrictive part linking.” For this reason, a few days ago the repairers reduced the repair rating of the iPhone 14 from 7 to 4 points.

The situation is similar with iPads and MacBooks. Apple’s stranglehold on limiting independent repairs is also increasing there.

But there is also praise for Apple from the repairers: Since the iPhone 14, the US company has started building its devices from the ground up to be more repairable – but not by choice. The EU and US are increasingly pushing for repairable devices and the iPhone company is adapting to this future. Apple and other mobile phone manufacturers have started selling spare parts to individuals and providing repair instructions. This is why the iPhone 15 still scores a 4 out of 10.

At the same time, Apple continues to make it more difficult to replace defective components in order to maintain full control over its repair operations – officially in the interest and safety of customers.

Apple, like other tech industry giants, has been lobbying intensively for years to prevent a ‘right to repair’. So when Apple recently says it supports the right to repair, it is not least an image and PR offensive, since new repair laws can hardly be prevented. You present yourself as a consumer-friendly company to take further demands off your sails. The EU wants products such as smartphones or televisions to be repaired five to ten years after purchase.