Apple’s self-repair could save you money — or not
Apple’s self-repair could save you money — or not
Finally, the freedom to fix — or ruin — your own iPhone
The right to repair movement isn’t a new one. Apple pushed back against it for years, but an executive order passed by President Biden in July forced their hand. Starting in early 2022, Apple will offer official parts and manuals to both consumers and independent repair shops. Meaning you could order a new display directly from Apple to fix a cracked iPhone yourself. But whether or not this would save you money depends on if you can actually perform the repair. In reality, even with official parts and manuals, many fixes require technical skill and specialized tools that most people won’t already have. And if your brave attempt at self-repair turns into self-sabotage, you could find yourself back at the Genius Bar with an even bigger bill.
The real savings could come at unaffiliated repair shops. These businesses have always been a cheaper alternative, but their reliance on secondhand parts and leaked manuals limited the scope of service they could provide. Soon, they should be able to replace screens, batteries, and cameras on newer iPhones, hopefully for less than Apple charges. It’s “hopefully” because it all hinges on Apple’s pricing, which they have not yet announced. Until then, maybe invest in a good screen protector.
Post-its
Speaking of which: Apple just became the first company to reach $3T market value, triple what it was worth in 2018.
Till death: Marriage offers well-known tax breaks, but it could also significantly raise monthly student loan payments.
Not-so-starving artists: NFT artists will be in-demand this year as major companies recruit to capitalize on the booming trend.
Flyer beware: Think twice before booking that flight — a last-minute positive Covid-19 result could cost you your refund.
Dollars for donuts: The owner of a donut stand in NJ was shocked to find “For Motion Picture Use Only” printed on a $5 bill in her drawer.