Second bite: What does Apple’s new repair program mean for you?
Have an iPhone that needs repairing? Is your MacBook not working properly again? It’s almost expected that technology won’t go the distance, or that Apple parts will cost too much to get fixed. So we may as well buy a new one. It’s a mindset that has contributed to a stockpile of e-waste that is tipped to hit more than 70 million tonnes globally by 2030.
But what if you could repair your phone or other electronic devices yourself? Apple has introduced a Self Service Repair program, where you can order the parts to fix the issue yourself — or get a more experienced third party to do so.
Here’s why Australians get a free 2 year warranty on their Apple products
With the average Australian signing up for a 24 month phone contract, it is fairly reasonable to expect that their phone will be protected for the duration of that period. Luckily this is now true in Australia thanks to a decision by Aussie regulator, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The determination by the ACCC signals and end to Apple's global 1 year consumer guarantee in Australia.
The simple truth behind the now free extended warranty is that customers are buying a product they should expect to last 2 years. Jo Ucukalo, consumer expert and CEO of Handle My Complaint explains that by signing a 24 month contact customers are committing to a single brand for 2 years. Brands ought to commit to their customers in return.
Get your defective iPhone 5 battery replaced for free
If you find your iPhone 5 runs out of juice too quickly, Apple has a fix. Well, maybe they have a fix.
Apple has admitted their iPhone 5 battery is faulty. Yay for Apple. And they have been replacing some batteries.
Unfortunately customers have complained to us that Apple won’t replace their iPhone 5 battery even though their phone doesn’t last a day.
According to Apple, the problem affects only a very small percentage of phones, which they claim can be identified from a phone’s serial number. We believe the problem is more widespread than only a few phones. As a result, customers are missing out on value for money.