iPhone 16e joins Apple's Self-Repair Program
Owners of the iPhone 16e now have access to tools and instructions on how to repair their phone's display and other components -- though you still need nerves of steel.
Delicately removing an iPhone screen -- image source: Apple
When Apple announced its Self Repair Programme in 2021, and when it then opened in 2022, it was specifically for iPhones. The option has since expanded to include Macs, but now it's also been extended to cover the latest iPhone 16e.
While the instructions now listed by Apple on its support site, are specific to the iPhone 16e, the general process remains the same. Through a series of written and video instructions, Apple's Program takes users through the supremely delicate process of opening up their iPhone.
Then it shows how to get to components such as the display, but wishing you luck with putting it all back together again. It obviously doesn't really phrase it that way, but in its consciously flat and unemotional instructions, you still get the clear impression that you'd be better getting Apple to fix it.
This may be projection. If you have the skills to take apart a phone that cost a minimum of $599 -- before the impact of tariffs raises it higher -- then Apple will rent you the tools you need for $49.99, for a week.
The screws that go into an iPhone 16e. These are the tiny screws Trump says millions of Americans will enjoy fitting -- image source: Apple
That rental is from the Self Repair Program's official site, and it does not include the parts you may want to replace. It does include the 21 tools -- yep, 21 -- that you'll need to do what repair jobs you can.
Those repair jobs include replacing the display, for which you'll need to pay $229. You'll also need what's called a broken display film, which is $6.75, and/or a broken back glass film, which is the same price again.
Plus you'll need two pieces of display adhesive, which are sold as a pair for $1.62. If that is starting to sound like nickel and diming, prepare yourself: you also need to buy a security screw for 8 cents.
So that's a possible total of $294.20 for the display repair. If you have a workspace that you can clear and clean, and if you have "an ESD wrist strap attached to a properly grounded ESD mat."
It's not clear if that strap is included in the tool rental, but it isn't among the items sold separately.
But still, $300 for a repair is a lot better than $600 for a new iPhone. Unless you break it and now you're out $300 plus the $600 for the replacement.
And at present, Apple's estimation tool for how much it would charge to do the repair for you is $229 for a display replacement. Or there's always AppleCare which you can buy for $9.99 a month, or $99.99 a year, at purchase or shortly thereafter.
It's almost as if Apple doesn't want you to be able to repair your device. It's definitely as if this is a delicate job that can so easily go wrong.
AppleInsider Managing Editor Mike Wuerthele worked inside Apple service for years. He told me while I was writing this piece that he'd rather not do this repair.
He's not as young as he once was, of course, but he has the skills, and he'd rather somebody else do this one.
That should tell you something. Maybe just get AppleCare next time.
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