Apple Now Sells iPhone 17 and iPhone Air Replacement Parts, But DIY Repair Savings Are Minimal
Apple has officially launched its Self Service Repair Store for the latest iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air models, enabling users to purchase genuine replacement parts for do-it-yourself repairs. While this initiative aims to empower users with repair options, a closer look at the pricing reveals that significant cost savings are often not achieved compared to professional repairs at an Apple Store.
Most replacement parts for the iPhone 17 series maintain similar price points to those offered for the previous iPhone 16 generation. However, a notable increase is seen in the price of a replacement display for the base iPhone 17 model, which now costs $329, up from $279. This hike is likely attributed to the upgrade of the iPhone 17’s display to a 120Hz LTPO AMOLED panel, a significant improvement over the iPhone 16’s 60Hz screen. The back cover remains priced at $159 across the board. Interestingly, the 48MP main camera for the iPhone Air is priced at $169, matching the cost of the iPhone 17’s dual-camera system, with the ultra-wide camera not available for separate purchase.
Despite the availability of these parts, the financial benefits of performing self-repairs are often negligible. For instance, a new battery for the base model costs $99, while more expensive models require $119. These prices are identical to the cost of a battery replacement service directly performed by an Apple Store technician. Similar pricing parity applies to replacement displays, back glass, and cameras. This pricing strategy makes iPhone self-repair financially less appealing, even though iFixit’s teardown analysis indicates that the ultra-thin iPhone Air is relatively easy to repair. This suggests Apple’s self-service program may be more about providing the option than making it a substantially cheaper alternative.
Source: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Apple-starts-selling-replacement-parts-for-iPhone-17-Pro-and-iPhone-Air-at-partly-high-prices.1153977.0.html