Apple, Please Don't Be Evil : Make iPhone and Macbook Out-Of-Warranty Repair Easy and Affordable
I was having my usual vlog-hopping session on Youtube last night when I chanced upon an interesting tech-related video uploaded by CNBC about Apple Inc.'s alleged controversial business practices.
The 18-minute long report basically exposed three terrible things that broke my heart as a long-time Apple fan:
1. The Cupertino company is charging hundreds and even thousands of dollars for repairs on their devices that can practically be done without replacing parts.
2. Apple has allegedly implemented measures to prevent users and third party companies from fixing Macbooks and iPhones. These measures include gluing the battery of their handsets and using patented screws on their notebooks that require special tools for removal.
3. Apple is allegedly trying to silence the critics of their high repair fees and policies with letters from law offices.
You can watch the video here and see all the pieces of evidence for yourself:
As of writing, many consumers groups and concerned Apple fans in several countries around the world have already filed a petition for 'Right To Repair', which urges Apple to make device parts and repair manuals available to users and third party repair shops.
In New York state, for instance, a bill called the "Fair Repair Act" has been filed. If this will be passed as a law, it would require all electronics companies to sell replacement parts and tools to the public in general. Also, it would prohibit "software locks" which restrict repairs and even require these tech companies to make repair guides or modules publicly available.
Sadly, however, many corporations that are affected by the 'Act' - including Apple Inc. - are allegedly spending thousands of dollars per month on legal fees to oppose the bill's passing into law. (Source)
Some of the companies in the list above are currently implementing an "Authorized Repair Shop" model that essentially protects their intellectual property, consumers’ safety, and device security. To be fair, this model is good for devices with software issues and physical damages that are covered by warranty.
However, as many Apple fans - including myself - would know, out-of-warranty repairs that are done by authorized repair shops often cost an arm and a leg. This is exactly what the 'Right to Repair' petition is trying to address. If only third party repair shops would have the knowledge and the tools to fix these products, the procedure wouldn't cost that much for consumers.
Anyway, this issue is just one of many that are now being raised against Apple. There also talks about how the company is contributing to a wasteful economy that's not pro-environment by making home buttons and batteries irreplaceable, for example. I won't be discussing those just now.
Through my decade of being a tech blogger, I believe I have made it clear that I am a big fan of Apple and Steve Jobs. Some of the most memorable moments of my career include being an Apple iPad ambassador for one of the leading networks in the country in 2012, unboxing the first ever Apple iPhone X unit in the Philippines in 2017, and unboxing the first Apple iPhone XS Max unit with nation's leading newspaper in 2018. I've always felt that it's such an honor to be associated with an inspiring company like Apple.
As such, I am really hoping and praying that Apple would be more kind and gracious to their loyal consumers -- especially since the company is now worth billions upon billions of dollars and is in the perfect position to give and to be generous. It many not be good for business but in the long run, it can contribute to making the world a better place. I know it sounds cheesy and idealistic -- but it's true.
The 18-minute long report basically exposed three terrible things that broke my heart as a long-time Apple fan:
1. The Cupertino company is charging hundreds and even thousands of dollars for repairs on their devices that can practically be done without replacing parts.
2. Apple has allegedly implemented measures to prevent users and third party companies from fixing Macbooks and iPhones. These measures include gluing the battery of their handsets and using patented screws on their notebooks that require special tools for removal.
3. Apple is allegedly trying to silence the critics of their high repair fees and policies with letters from law offices.
You can watch the video here and see all the pieces of evidence for yourself:
As of writing, many consumers groups and concerned Apple fans in several countries around the world have already filed a petition for 'Right To Repair', which urges Apple to make device parts and repair manuals available to users and third party repair shops.
In New York state, for instance, a bill called the "Fair Repair Act" has been filed. If this will be passed as a law, it would require all electronics companies to sell replacement parts and tools to the public in general. Also, it would prohibit "software locks" which restrict repairs and even require these tech companies to make repair guides or modules publicly available.
Sadly, however, many corporations that are affected by the 'Act' - including Apple Inc. - are allegedly spending thousands of dollars per month on legal fees to oppose the bill's passing into law. (Source)
Some of the companies in the list above are currently implementing an "Authorized Repair Shop" model that essentially protects their intellectual property, consumers’ safety, and device security. To be fair, this model is good for devices with software issues and physical damages that are covered by warranty.
However, as many Apple fans - including myself - would know, out-of-warranty repairs that are done by authorized repair shops often cost an arm and a leg. This is exactly what the 'Right to Repair' petition is trying to address. If only third party repair shops would have the knowledge and the tools to fix these products, the procedure wouldn't cost that much for consumers.
Anyway, this issue is just one of many that are now being raised against Apple. There also talks about how the company is contributing to a wasteful economy that's not pro-environment by making home buttons and batteries irreplaceable, for example. I won't be discussing those just now.
Through my decade of being a tech blogger, I believe I have made it clear that I am a big fan of Apple and Steve Jobs. Some of the most memorable moments of my career include being an Apple iPad ambassador for one of the leading networks in the country in 2012, unboxing the first ever Apple iPhone X unit in the Philippines in 2017, and unboxing the first Apple iPhone XS Max unit with nation's leading newspaper in 2018. I've always felt that it's such an honor to be associated with an inspiring company like Apple.
As such, I am really hoping and praying that Apple would be more kind and gracious to their loyal consumers -- especially since the company is now worth billions upon billions of dollars and is in the perfect position to give and to be generous. It many not be good for business but in the long run, it can contribute to making the world a better place. I know it sounds cheesy and idealistic -- but it's true.
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