Apple's Self Service Repair Program Accused of Inflating iPad Repair Costs to Push New Purchases.

Apple's Self Service Repair program for iPads has been criticized for being too expensive, with parts costing nearly as much as a new iPad. Independent repair professionals claim that Apple is discouraging users from fixing their devices, steering them towards buying new ones instead. The cost of parts, such as a digitizer for an iPad A16 at $200, is significantly higher than what third-party suppliers charge.

Apple's recent expansion of its Self Service Repair program to include iPads has been met with criticism from independent repair professionals, who argue that the cost of replacement parts is prohibitively expensive. The program, announced in May, allows users to purchase genuine Apple parts and access repair manuals and tools, but the high prices of these components are raising concerns about Apple's true commitment to the right-to-repair movement.

According to a report by 404 Media, the cost of parts such as a digitizer for an iPad A16, priced at $200 by Apple, is significantly higher than what third-party suppliers charge, around $50 [1]. Similarly, the replacement screen assembly for an iPad Pro 13 costs $749 from Apple, making repairs economically unviable [1]. These high prices suggest that Apple may be intentionally discouraging users from repairing their devices and instead encouraging them to purchase new ones.

The founder of the repair company XiRepair, who spoke to 404 Media, claims that over a third of the iPad repair parts sold by Apple are not economically viable for independent repair shops. Using a cost calculation that includes labor and store margins, he found that almost all iPads needing two repairs simultaneously are not feasible to repair using genuine parts from Apple [2].

While the cost of repairs is still generally less than half the price of a new iPad, the high prices of Apple's parts raise questions about the company's intentions. This situation is reminiscent of Apple's past practices, as highlighted in a 2018 CBC Marketplace report, which found that Apple was overcharging significantly for some in-store repairs [2].

The high cost of Apple's Self Service Repair program parts could potentially hinder the growth of independent repair shops, as customers may seek faster and less expensive alternatives. However, it is too early to predict whether this will materialize.

In conclusion, while Apple's Self Service Repair program is a step forward in providing users with access to genuine parts and repair resources, the high cost of these components raises questions about the company's commitment to the right-to-repair movement. Investors and financial professionals should monitor this situation closely, as it could have implications for Apple's long-term strategy and consumer sentiment.

References:
[1] https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/01/apple-accused-of-inflating-self-service-repair-prices-to-push-new-ipad-purchases/
[2] https://mobilesyrup.com/2025/08/01/apples-ipad-repair-costs-are-exorbitant-fix-it-yourself/