I tried Apple’s self-repair program with my iPhone. A disaster happened.
The nightmare continues
To my surprise, the last few steps were the most annoying. When we turned the phone back on, a warning message popped up saying the battery and screen had been replaced with unknown parts. This was annoying because the battery was an original Apple-ordered part. The screen was also original because it came from another iPhone.
However, to complete the repair, Apple requires anyone using the self-repair program to run System Configuration, which includes contacting a remote customer support representative to confirm and match the part serial number to the phone. Only then is the patch checked, causing the warning message to disappear.
Apple’s self-repair site directed me to an online application to chat with a representative. There, an employee named Carlos asked me to plug in the phone and long press three buttons to switch to diagnostic mode.
I have tried this step several times. Nothing happened.
Carlos pasted the same instructions with buttons. I tried once more. Then once more. I wasn’t able to start making the diagnosis until following consulting an online forum where someone posted a step further.
After more than 30 minutes, we were done. The unknown battery warning message has disappeared.
Notes for Apple
Apple said it welcomes feedback as it continues to develop the self-correcting program. So here it is mine. Like any new technological tool, this software is a young product with its own pros and cons and the potential to be much better.
There are some benefits that will lead to better quality and cheaper repairs for everyone. Now all independent repair technicians, including Mr. Good, have access to Apple tools. (He said he’d probably buy an extruder from Apple to seal iPhones.) Now everyone can read the official instructions on how to make repairs, taking the guesswork out.
But the whole experience has been far from simple, and even for those who try, Apple exercises a great deal of control over asking to be approved for its fixes. If we install parts from Apple, like a working screen taken from another iPhone, it should work — period.
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