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Apple’s toolkit for the 79-pound iPhone Self Repair Program is on our test bench. Here’s what’s in the abundant repair package.
Apple’s self-service portal has just launched and is currently focused solely on repairing the iPhone. Device options could potentially be expanded in the future.
Currently, you can perform several common repairs, such as broken displays and low batteries for the iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone SE.
In our case, we ordered a battery replacement for our iPhone 13 Pro. With the battery itself, we have to borrow Apple’s tools for $ 49 to do the repairs ourselves.
Of course, this also came with the withholding of our $ 1272 credit card.
Apple tool cases have arrived
The toolkit took two days to arrive and consists of two large Pelican cases. Taken together, they weigh nearly 80 pounds.
After we put them in the studio, we broke the protective seals on the outside to examine their contents.
Case number one
When we opened the first box – the smaller of the two – we were greeted by our return label. Apple has put two new protective zippered labels in the case for its return trip.
This case houses the heater used to loosen the adhesive that holds the display in place. Connecting to the heated display remover is the required power cord and hot pocket tray.
Hot pocket for iPhone 13 Pro
The hot pocket pad presses your phone against metal sides and then slides the smartphone into the display remover. It will intelligently heat your iPhone for a specific period of time to a specific temperature to allow the glue to harden.
Display heater
The suction cup holds the display and while you turn the knob on top, it will slowly apply pressure and pull the display panel. Once separated, you can use the included tool to pierce any residual glue.
Case number two
The second case has many more components inside, being the larger of the two. It has its own return label and security labels inside, next to all our tools.
The second case with tools
This box also comes with a guide showing where each tool goes and what they were. This certainly makes it easier to understand what’s going where and ensures that you don’t forget anything when you pack it back.
There are two small boxes filled with screwdrivers, display covers, suction cups and a plastic stirrer. Then there are two large pieces of equipment – a display press and a battery press – and a tray that holds them.
Small repair components
Users will use the display press several times during many repairs. Their phone will be placed in the device-specific tray and slide under the press.
The first time it is used will be the application of the adhesive. The glue is deposited on the phone during reassembly, after which a metal plate is placed on top. The tray is then inserted into the press, after which a lever is pulled out.
Display press
As soon as the lever is used, the countdown starts at 30 before it emits a piercing beep at zero. You need to pull the knob on the left side to release the lever.
After applying the adhesive, users must install the display module. As soon as it is properly connected and placed, the iPhone revisits the press on the display to secure it in place.
Without this tool, the adhesive may not be as secure in its adhesion and may release the display module or compromise its water resistance.
Battery press
The battery press is a very niche device used to replace the battery. First, a new battery is installed, with fresh glue under it.
The phone is then placed in the battery press and the top lever is pulled down, dropping a rubber roller onto the new battery. Users then slide the phone back and forth several times to lock the battery in place.
This tool applies constant, even pressure to the battery while ensuring that the battery is not damaged.
Try it
Apple makes these tools available for purchase on their own, but with prices costing hundreds of dollars, the $ 50 rental fee is much more sustainable. With these tools, many users will be able to do the repairs themselves instead of paying out of pocket at the Genius Bar.
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