Apple is now promoting alternative iPhone elements on to prospects, permitting them to restore their very own gadgets relatively than paying an expert. But when you have been anticipating a DIY restore to be a manner of saving cash, then you definately is perhaps a little bit disillusioned. Apple’s pricing for a number of the commonest alternative elements is similar to what it’ll cost you to do the repairs at an Apple Store, even whenever you’re the one delicately taking your cellphone aside to swap out a damaged half. Only when you issue within the credit score you get for sending in a changed half do you stand to see a extra important saving.

Take battery replacements. Apple is charging $69 for a Battery & Screw Kit for iPhone 12 or 13 fashions and $49 for a similar package for the third-generation iPhone SE. But have a look at Apple’s site, and an out-of-warranty battery alternative prices precisely the identical: $69 for the iPhone 12 or 13 and $49 for the iPhone SE. Apple’s press launch says it’s promoting these elements on the “same price” as what it expenses its community of restore companions.

Screenshot: Apple.com

Pricing for show replacements differs a little bit extra, however not by a lot. An iPhone 12 show and screw package prices $267.96 when purchased instantly from Apple, whereas an out-of-warranty screen repair prices $279 for a similar cellphone. For the 12 Mini, the value is $225.96 versus $229 for an Apple restore, whereas the identical alternative half for the 12 Pro Max prices $309.96 versus $329 for an Apple restore. It’s a saving of anyplace from $5 to $20, however it’s not a lot.

There’s an essential caveat right here, which is that Apple’s DIY choice gives extra substantial financial savings when you’re prepared to ship again the half that you simply’ve changed. An outdated iPhone 12 or 13 battery, for instance, may web you a $24.15 low cost in keeping with Apple’s restore web site, whereas the low cost provided for a returned show is $33.60. These reductions provide a very whole lot for battery repairs, the place sending in a changed half may web you a saving of over a 3rd of the value of the restore package. Apple’s press launch says it intends to recycle the elements despatched in by prospects, although iFixit notes they might additionally refurbish them for reuse.

Even with out these reductions, there may nonetheless be essential causes to go down the DIY route, relying on the place you’re based mostly. Although Apple has lots of of Apple Stores within the US and hundreds of third-party restore companions all over the world, there are nonetheless many individuals who don’t stay close by to someplace that may restore their iPhone and might’t be with out their cellphone for the three to 5 enterprise days it takes to show round a mail-in restore. For these individuals, a DIY restore choice may provide a lifeline.

Apple’s press launch makes it clear it doesn’t count on its DIY restore choices to be for everybody. “For the vast majority of customers who do not have experience repairing electronic devices, visiting a professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair,” its press launch reads and cautions that self-service repairs are solely meant for “customers who are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices.” That may clarify why Apple isn’t providing a lot of a reduction to keen prospects trying to restore their very own telephones.