Apple's Self Repair Program vs. Genius Bar: What it costs to fix an iPhone 13

By Wesley Hilliard

iPhone users can repair their device in-home with certified tools provided by Apple, but it'll cost you not just money, but time too. Here's what you'll spend trying to fix a broken iPhone 13.

Customers can repair their iPhone at home, but at a high cost

Apple has finally opened up its Self Service Repair program where individuals can order genuine Apple parts and tools. Previously, a customer's only options were Apple, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or non-authorized repair centers.

The Self Service Repair Store is set up as a filtering tool so customers can select the exact device they'd like to repair and what repair is needed. There are six repair types for the iPhone 13: battery, bottom speaker, camera, display, SIM tray, and Taptic Engine.

Below, we'll compare how much it will cost someone to repair an iPhone 13 themselves versus going to an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Out-of-warranty repairs will include the cost of parts and labor, while those who spend the $149 for AppleCare+ generally get massive discounts or free repairs.

In some cases, the Apple Store might be able to swap out a damaged part at a lower cost. The actual quoted cost of repair may vary between online, in-person, and third-party repair locations. The extent of damage to the device may also affect the repair price.

Parts and tools needed for the iPhone 13 self repair

You'll need to order any parts for the repair and can purchase any tools required for the job. Specific repair jobs have individual parts that can be ordered or bundles that don't offer any savings, just convenience.

Rent a tool kit for only $49

Customers who only need the repair tools for one job don't have to spend the $1,000 it would cost to own them. Apple offers a tool rental kit for each device repair. The rental for one week costs $49, and Apple will place a temporary authorization on your credit card for the value of a full replacement of the tool kit.

For example, AppleInsider placed an order for the iPhone 13 Pro repair kit and the temporary authorization was $1,272. This amount will vary based on which tool kit is selected, as the iPhone SE repair kit doesn't include as many tools.

Contents of the iPhone 13 tool kit

Replacing an iPhone 13 battery

If a customer goes to an Apple Authorized Service Provider, a standard out-of-warranty battery replacement will cost $69 for the iPhone 13. AppleCare+ customers get the battery replacement for free, when performed at an Apple Store, by Apple technicians.

The battery replacement for self-service repair

The Self Service Repair Program will cost $49 just to rent the necessary tools for the job plus the battery repair parts. Apple sells a bundle of parts for $70.99 and will give the customer a $24.15 return credit after giving Apple the old battery.

The total cost of ordering the necessary parts, renting a tool kit, and then returning the old battery for a rebate is $95.84. The customer will need to perform the repair and then contact Apple to conduct a System Configuration to complete the repair.

If you already have the necessary tools to complete the job and don't need to rent a kit, then the cost is only $46.84. Of course, this means you'd own $1,000 worth of equipment to complete the occasional repair with a version of the tools that Apple uses in-house instead of paying the company $69 to get it done by an official repair technician.

Replacing the iPhone 13 bottom speaker

Apple doesn't provide detailed pricing for every repair, so that a bottom speaker repair may fall under the "Other Damage" category. Out-of-warranty repair would be $449, while AppleCare+ customers would pay $99.

The speaker replacement for self-service repair

The bundle of parts for an iPhone 13 bottom speaker replacement is $43.64. Again, add that to the cost of renting the tools needed for disassembling an iPhone 13.

The total cost for iPhone 13 bottom speaker self-repair would be $92.64, including the tool rental, and there is no rebate for this repair job.

Replacing the iPhone 13 camera

Apple doesn't provide pricing for replacing an iPhone 13 camera at an authorized service center, but it may fall under the "other damage" category. So, out-of-warranty repair costs would be $449, and AppleCare+ customers would pay a $99 repair fee according to Apple's support website.

The replacement camera module

The bundle of parts for an iPhone 13 camera replacement is $117.04. Apple offers a $52.50 rebate if the original camera module is returned.

The total cost for iPhone 13 camera self-repair would be $113.54 after returning the original camera for a rebate and renting tools to do the job. Apple needs to be contacted after the repair is complete to perform a System Configuration and proper part serialization.

Replacing the iPhone 13 display

A cracked display is one of the most common problems an iPhone user can have. Out-of-warranty screen repair for the iPhone 13 is $279, and AppleCare+ customers pay $29.

iPhone 13 display replacement parts

The bundle of parts for an iPhone 13 display replacement is $269.95. Apple offers a $33.60 rebate if the original display is returned.

The total cost for iPhone 13 display self-repair would be $285.35 after returning the original display and renting the tools from Apple. After the repair is complete, Apple will need to be contacted to perform a System Configuration.

Replacing the iPhone 13 Taptic Engine

The replacement taptic engine for self-service repair

Apple doesn't break out the cost of Taptic Engine repair on its service website, so it may fall under the other damage category of repair. That means out-of-warranty repair could be $449, and AppleCare+ customers would pay $99.

The bundle of parts for an iPhone 13 Taptic Engine replacement is $43.64 with no chance for a rebate.

The total cost for iPhone 13 Taptic Engine self-repair would be $92.64.

Replacement iPhone 13 SIM trays

If a SIM tray is lost or damaged, Apple will let customers order a replacement tray for $7.20 in the correct color. A SIM-eject tool is also available for purchase for $4.00.

Apple's Self Service Repair Store versus Apple Authorized Service Provider

Apple urges customers with access to Apple Stores or authorized service centers to take advantage of the expert repair. The cost-benefit of doing so relies on multiple factors, including whether or not the customer has AppleCare+ or sufficient experience repairing electronics.

For a skilled few, self-repair is the best option since losing access to devices for days or weeks for mail-in repair may be impossible. Also, private entities will be able to offer non-authorized repair easier since tools and parts are easily sourced directly from Apple.

Importantly, if the self-repairer breaks the iPhone further during the repair process, the cost of any follow-on repairs are entirely the responsibility of the user. The iPhone interior is cramped, and there are many small pieces which can easily break, so we strongly recommend an honest self-assessment of skill level before the repair-at-home method is attempted.

Customers will need to weigh their options when deciding if they'd like to use Apple's official channels or attempt a repair on their own. At least, with Apple's Self Service Repair Program, there will be more options than ever.