Apple Launches Program To Repair Old Devices Like the iPhone 4S (9to5mac.com)

Apple is introducing a new "Repair Vintage Apple Products Pilot" program that will extend the period of time customers can receive repairs for older devices. "The new program at first will include the iPhone 5 and other Apple products that are about to become obsolete, and in the coming weeks will add more products to the list for devices that previously lost repair support," reports 9to5Mac. Some of the devices that will be included on the list include the iPhone 4s and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012). From the report: Apple has long had a 5-7 year lifespan for repairing its products, meaning that owners of an iPhone, iPad or Mac can have repairs performed through Apple or an authorized service provider even when not under warranty. Usually after 5-7 years, products are then classified as "vintage" or "obsolete" (depending on the country and local laws) and Apple staff no longer offers parts or repairs. The company maintains a list of products that are classified as vintage and obsolete on its website.

For the new Pilot program, Apple will only be offering repairs for vintage devices based on part availability. Otherwise customers will be told that inventory isn't available because the product is considered vintage. So the new program doesn't guarantee you a repair, but it's a nice change from Apple's previous policy where it stopped offering repairs entirely after classifying devices as vintage.

Comments

Trying to stave off right to repair

[Anonymous Coward]

Hi Apple, nice stunt.

How about letting people repair their own devices with your parts as well. They should have this right, and it should be written into law if you're not going to offer it freely. Same for other manufacturers.

Apples Business Model: Planned Obsolescence

[bkmoore]

AC beat me to it. It's a legal stunt to stave off Right To Repair's main argument that Apple won't even repair their own products once they reach an age where they're most likely to need repair. I suspect Apple will price any older model repair far beyond the value of the device, making the service uneconomical. Then they can argue in court, there's no demand for older-model repairs, so "right to repair" is unnecessary.

"The environment and our consumers are very important to us, At Apple we're pleased to offer repairs on all our products from the Apple III on up. Once consumers see the great trade in value we give them as a reward for their continued loyalty, most opt for one of our new cutting-edge products..."

(I'm not that good at corporate speak.)