Apple Expands iPhone 16 Self-Repair Program with Camera, Display, and Battery Parts

Apple has taken a significant step in making self-repairs more accessible for iPhone users, launching replacement parts for the iPhone 16 lineup, including camera assemblies, displays, and batteries. This expansion comes after years of pressure from advocates of repairability, such as iFixit, urging the company to support consumers in fixing their own devices.

For those with a standard iPhone 16, a replacement camera assembly is priced at $169. Meanwhile, for the larger 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max models, the cost rises to $249. Display replacements vary between $279 and $379, depending on the model and size. Battery replacements are set at $99 for the standard model and $119 for the 16 Pro. Apple offers cost reductions if customers return defective parts: a returned battery reduces the cost to around $60 for the 16 Pro, and returning a damaged camera drops the price to approximately $189.

Apple’s website provides detailed pricing information, accounting for potential credits when returning parts. The company also offers to rent specialized battery repair equipment to those who may not have the necessary tools. Since the self-service repair program’s inception in 2022, Apple has allowed customers access to parts, tools, and official manuals for select iPhones and Macs, marking a significant policy shift. Previously, repairs were limited to authorized technicians, a measure Apple claimed protected device integrity and brand reputation.

However, critics pointed out that these restrictions contradicted Apple’s sustainability goals, as higher repair costs and limited access could lead to devices being discarded prematurely. By opening up repair options and supporting third-party components, Apple is promoting the extended use of its products, enabling consumers to replace critical parts like cracked screens or damaged cameras.

As consumers show a trend of upgrading devices less frequently, Apple’s focus on durable hardware becomes more apparent. Yet, the company has shifted revenue strategies, emphasizing services like Apple One subscriptions. Additionally, the rollout of Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI tools integrated into iOS, is part of Apple’s strategy to encourage hardware upgrades, requiring devices like the iPhone 15 or newer. This balance between robust device longevity and service-driven revenue highlights Apple’s evolving approach in the tech market.