It is no secret that Apple devices are some of the most expensive ones out there,?offering a 'premium' user experience unlike any other.
However, cost of ownership goes to a whole new level if you break a screen on your Apple device or it suffers through a malfunction and you visit an Apple?service centre -- worse if you're not covered by warranty.
Reuters
And now in a recent statement, Apple has revealed that it hasn't made any money repairing devices.
This statement came in response to a House Judicial Committee probe that was investigating Apples anti-competitive practices (if any) to eliminate competitions specifically when it comes to repairs.
We're already aware of the strict control Apple has when it comes to its device repairs -- from proprietary screws to a design that is hard to breach into without specific equipment that are not easily available in the market.?
Apple said in a statement, "For each year since 2009, the costs of providing repair services has exceeded the revenue generated by repairs."
This is really surprising considering the exorbitant repair costs that they normally charge. But the focus of loss here was pertaining to devices coming in repair with Apple Care (Apple's extended warranty program). When Apple was asked about why it keeps such a tight scrutiny on its repairs, Apple stated, "Repairs performed by untrained technicians might not follow proper safety and repair procedures and could result in improper function, product quality issues or safety events."
Reuters
It further added, "Additionally, repairs that do not properly replace screws or cowlings might leave behind loose parts that could damage a component such as the battery, causing overheating or resulting in injury. For these reasons, we believe it is important for repair shops to receive proper training when obtaining access to spare parts and repair manuals."
While there it is true that untrained repairs can cause severe damage to the device as well as the person using it, Nathan Proctor, a campaign director for US Public Interest Research Group, which supports the right to repair movement feels that Apple's simply arguing for a "benelovent monopoly." He states,? "I don't believe consumers are happy with the monopoly that exists," he said, adding: "Just let us fix our stuff."