Apple’s iPad self-repair initiative is under fire as repair experts label the pricing of parts like charge ports and digitizers as excessively high, raising questions about Apple’s true commitment to the right to repair movement.
Apple’s iPad Repair Parts While Available, Come at Sky-High Prices According to Repair Pros
Apple’s much-touted iPad self-repair program, announced in May 2025, promised to empower customers and repair shops with access to official parts. But repair experts and industry professionals are pushing back, calling the pricing “astronomical” and warning that Apple may be technically complying with right-to-repair laws while making repairs economically unviable.
The original story was reported by 404 Media, which spoke with independent repair professionals now dealing firsthand with Apple’s new iPad parts catalog. While the announcement received glowing headlines, the reality has sparked frustration in the repair community.
iPad Parts That Cost More Than the iPad?
One of the most criticized parts is the iPad Pro 11’s charge port, a commonly failing component. Apple lists it for $250, while aftermarket versions sell for under $20 in places like Amazon. Likewise, a digitizer for the iPad A16 costs $200 through Apple, despite the entire iPad retailing for $349 and third-party digitizers selling for around $50.
According to Brian Clark, owner of iGuys Tech Shop, this pricing “sends the message that [Apple] doesn’t really want iPads to be repaired.” Apple’s historically limited repair options for iPads only adds to that perception.
A Calculated Strategy to Discourage Repairs?
Jonathan Strange, founder of XiRepair, created a spreadsheet analyzing Apple’s iPad parts catalog and found that over a third of parts are priced so high they’re not economically viable for independent shops. His calculation? If the cost of the part plus labor and modest profit hits more than 50% of the iPad’s retail price, it’s not worth repairing.
Strange argues Apple isn’t pricing parts based on manufacturing cost, but on device replacement value, a tactic he believes is designed to discourage repair entirely.
What the Right to Repair Movement Says
While Apple now sells iPad parts publicly, right-to-repair advocates argue this isn’t enough. “If Apple wants repair shops to use their brand-name parts, they should be more competitive in how they price them,” said Nathan Proctor, director of the right to repair campaign at US PIRG.
Strange agrees it’s still progress—“Apple has never repaired iPads before”—but notes the program exposes a deeper flaw in Apple’s service model. Genius Bar staff aren’t equipped to perform complex repairs, while independent shops often are. That contrast could challenge Apple’s control over device servicing going forward.
Final Thoughts
Apple may be technically complying with new repair legislation by offering iPad parts to the public, but industry professionals suggest the pricing is designed to maintain the status quo: making DIY and third-party repairs so costly that replacement looks like the only viable option.
Once again, a shout out to the folks over at 404 Media for highlighting this ongoing issue in Apple’s self-service repair rollout.
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