2023-09-21 08:53:59
The iPhone 14 sees its repairability rating with iFixit go from 7/10 to 4/10. At issue: the software locks imposed by the firm on Apple on the parts.
The iPhone 14 had one thing going for it and one thing only over the iPhone 13: higher repairability. Indeed, if the iPhone 14 had disappointed us with its very close proximity to its predecessor, even justifying the purchase of the 13 compared to the 14, we noted that people keen to make a long-term purchase might prefer it.
To everyone’s surprise, just after the launch of the iPhone 14, iFixit revealed that Apple had completely reworked the interior, making it removable from both the front and back, an argument that changes everything when purchasing .
Almost a year later, it is still iFixit which is closely interested in this iPhone 14, but this time, to announce in a blog post that it is no longer so repairable. Its very good rating of 7/10, the best since the iPhone 7, rose to 4/10 according to the site specializing in the repairability of electronic objects.
Matching parts pointed out
To get there, iFixit listened to the community of independent repairers who did not appreciate their excellent rating. “When we gave the iPhone 14 a high rating, the community balked. Quite frankly, they were right, and we want to thank our readers for helping to hold manufacturers accountable. »
The site returns to this imbroglio in a very clear manner, explaining that it “Awarded with great enthusiasm a solid rating, thanks to its innovative internal design, making repairs easy. » The company admits to having perhaps gotten a little carried away. If they remain « grands fans » of this internal design, they admit today that “Reality has caught up with this sweet dream for those who have tried their hand at iPhone repair. »
Where to repair your iPhone? Would you rather go to Apple or a third-party repairer? At least we know Apple’s answer to this question. // Source: Frandroid
In question, the matching of parts, a practice which designates “software locks used by electronics manufacturers to prevent the general public, DIY enthusiasts and professional repair centers from changing parts”, écrit iFixit.
They add : “Many major late-model iPhone repairs require approval from Apple. You must purchase iPhone parts through their system, then have the repair validated through a chat system. Otherwise, you will face limited or missing functionality, crashes as well as annoying warnings. »
Obstacle course
To work within Apple’s straitjacket, repairers must “submit to five years of audits” and “send their customers’ personal information to Apple.” As a result, some people throw in the towel, discouraged.
This is what iFixit wanted to reflect by reviewing its rating system. “Now that we’ve put the iPhone 14 through our new evaluation framework, the picture is no longer so rosy. The iPhone 14’s new score of 4/10 reflects the fact that individuals and independent repair shops face crippling limitations when attempting to repair the device. »
Faced with this change, let’s say it clearly: the iPhone 14 loses its main selling point compared to the iPhone 13. There is now no reason to prefer it to its predecessor. Let’s add that if you are looking to make a long-term purchase and you have the means, purchasing an iPhone 15 may be interesting with the switch to USB-C.
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