Some Apple tools in repair toolbox
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Our testbed houses the 79 lb. iPhone DIY Repair Program toolkit. Here's what's inside the heavy repair package.
Apple's Self-Service Repair Portal has just been launched and is now available worldwide. With the iPhone Repair Kit, you can perform several common repairs, such as broken displays and dead batteries, for the iPhone 12 line, iPhone 13 line, and iPhone SE.
Exploring Apple Tools
In our case, we ordered a replacement battery for our iPhone 13 Pro. As for the battery itself, we had to borrow a $49 tool kit from Apple to do the repair ourselves.
Sure, $1,272 was blocked on our credit card.
Apple toolboxes have arrived
The set took two days to arrive and consists of two large boxes with the Pelican logo. Together they weighed almost 80 pounds.
Having dragged them into the studio, we broke the security seals on the outside to examine their contents.
Case number one
When you open your first case — the smaller of the two — we were greeted by our return label. Apple put two new zipper-style security tags in the case for the return trip.
This housing contains a heater used to loosen the adhesive holding the display in place. The heated display removal tool attaches the required power cable and hot pocket tray.
Hot pocket for iPhone 13 Pro
The hot pocket clamps the metal sides of the phone and then inserts the smartphone into the display remover. It intelligently heats your iPhone for a precise amount of time to a pre-set temperature to allow the adhesive to loosen.
Display heating
The suction cup is held onto the display, and as you turn the handle on top, it slowly applies pressure and releases the display panel. Once detached, you can use the included tool to remove any adhesive residue.
Case number two
There are many more components in the second case because it is more than two. It has its own return label and security tags inside, next to all of our tools.
Second tool box
This box also had a manual showing where each tool goes and what it is. It certainly makes it easier to know what goes where and ensures you don't forget anything when you pack it back.
There are two small boxes with screwdrivers, display covers, suction cups and a plastic spatula. Then there are two large pieces of equipment — press display and press battery — and the tray that holds them.
Small components to repair
Users will use the display press a couple of times during many repairs. Their phone is inserted into a special device tray and slides under pressure.
The first time it is used to apply glue. Glue is applied to the phone during reassembly, then a metal plate is placed on top. Then the tray is inserted into the press, after which it is pulled by the lever.
Show Click
Once the lever is used, the countdown starts at 30, followed by a shrill beep at zero. You must pull the handle on the left side to release the lever.
After applying the adhesive, users must install the display assembly. Once it's properly connected and placed, the iPhone will return to the display press to secure it in place.
Without this tool, the adhesive may not be as strong and may cause the display assembly to detach or be watertight.
Battery press
The battery press is a highly specialized device used when replacing batteries. First, a new battery is installed with fresh adhesive underneath.
The phone is then inserted into the battery press and the top arm is lowered down, lowering the rubber roller over the new battery. Users then slide the phone back and forth several times to lock the battery in place.
This tool applies constant, even pressure to the battery to prevent battery damage.
Give it a try
Apple is making these tools available for purchase on their own, but with price tags in the hundreds of dollars, $50 rent is much more affordable. Thanks to these tools, many users will be able to carry out repairs themselves, instead of paying out of pocket at the Genius Bar.
Visit the Apple Self-Service Portal to explore available tools and repair options. If you need more tools, we've put together a few other handy options.
