Self-service repair: Apple’s rental tool box weighs 35 kg

After trying for years to discourage repairs outside of its network of stores and partners, Apple is therefore making a 180° turn by launching in the United States its self-service repair program. The manufacturer does not do things by halves, since in addition to spare parts, it markets the tools and machines used in Apple Stores and other authorized repairers.

There is enough to create a small repair workshop at home

On the Self Service Repair Store, US customers can order a battery press ($115), a screen press ($216) or a machine to remove screens ($256). In its repair manuals, these are the machines that Apple asks to use to replace a screen or a battery, for example. It changes from complete petit kit d’iFixit sold between 25 and 75 €.

Why are Apple tools more expensive than third party tools? Apple answers this question itself in an FAQ explaining that his instruments are designed for professional repairers “to deliver the same performance as the industrial machines used to make Apple products. » These machines are also designed to work with several generations of products. The battery and screen presses are compatible with the last seven generations of iPhones, for example.

Excerpt from the iPhone 13 repair manual

But how many customers will order from Apple a $70 battery repair kit (including battery, screws, and adhesives) if they have to spend $115 on top of that for a press? It is to answer this problem that Apple proposes to rent a toolbox for $49 during one week.

The (big) toolbox available for hire

This toolbox is massive since it contains all the machines mentioned above. It is actually two bass drums that are 1.2m high and 0.5m wide when stacked. One weighs 19 kg and the other 16 kg. There are different toolkits for each type of iPhone. The one for iPhone 12 has it all:

• Case 1
  • 661-17619 – Heated Display Removal Fixture
  • 661-19620 – Heated Display Pocket
• Case 2
  • 923-02657 – Battery Press
  • 661-08916 – Display Press
  • 923-04908 – 6.1-inch Repair Tray
  • 923-01092 – Adhesive Cutter
  • 922-5065 – Nylon Probe (Black Stick)
  • 923-04911 – Display Adhesive Press Plate
  • 923-04878 – Display Protective Cover
  • 923-04877 – Back Protective Cover
  • 923-0248 – Black Torque Driver Kit
  • 923-00738 – Gray Torque Driver
  • 923-00105 – Green Torque Driver
  • 923-01290 – Micro Stix® Bit
  • 923-02066 – Super screw Bit

Fortunately, the wheels are not optionalthey are integrated into the boxes to be able to move them without breaking your back.