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Apple Your Rights Online

Leaked Apple Training Videos Show How the iPhone-Maker Undermines Third-Party Repair (vice.com) 133

em1ly shares a report from Motherboard, which obtained leaked training videos Apple made for its authorized repair partners, showing how the company trains repair technicians to undermine third party companies and talk customers into buying more expensive first party repairs. From the report: "I cracked the glass on my phone and I'm comparing costs. How much for just that part?" One man acting the part of the customer asks in one of the videos.
"I can show you the cost for just the part before we begin," another man, playing the part of repair technician says.
"Whoa," the customer says, holding out his hands. "That's way more than the shop down the street. Why is it so expensive here?"
"This quote's for a genuine Apple part," the technician says.
"What do you mean by genuine?" the customer asks, his hands making scare quotes. "I'd like to save some money. Aren't they really the same part?"

After this, the technician launches into an explanation of why it's best for people to replace broken iPhone parts with genuine Apple products. "A genuine Apple part has to pass AppleCare engineering criteria," the technician says, explaining that a screen from Apple will be tested as if it had just come off the factory floor. "With a genuine Apple display, all the features you've come to rely on behave seamlessly...that's not the case with third party displays."

Six of the eight videos are dedicated to training repair techs on how to deal with customers worried about the huge costs of repairing an Apple device. One three-minute video is dedicated to helping customers understand why a genuine Apple screen is often better than one from a third party.

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Leaked Apple Training Videos Show How the iPhone-Maker Undermines Third-Party Repair

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  • by NFN_NLN ( 633283 ) on Tuesday September 21, 2021 @11:30AM (#61817287)

    "It's still your choice to use a 3rd party part or a genuine apple part".... wow so unethical of them to honestly explain your options while pitching the value of their product you DON'T have to buy!?!??!?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?... [youtube.com]

    • by HanzoSpam ( 713251 ) on Tuesday September 21, 2021 @11:40AM (#61817363)

      I'm not seeing anything nefarious here, either. You can't really blame them for hawking their own wares, and if you're paying for the repair, presumably it's not under warranty.

      Nothing to see here.

      • I'm not seeing anything nefarious here, either. You can't really blame them for hawking their own wares

        The issue here is that they're pushing parts made from the hooves of unicorns.

        Please, think of the unicorns.

        • Itâ(TM)s all fine until you knock off screen doesnâ(TM)t properly support some firmware feature, and stops working after an update.

      • by Freischutz ( 4776131 ) on Tuesday September 21, 2021 @12:01PM (#61817473)

        I'm not seeing anything nefarious here, either. You can't really blame them for hawking their own wares, and if you're paying for the repair, presumably it's not under warranty.

        Nothing to see here.

        It's not just hawking their own wares. I once ready this article about somebody whose iPhone was adversely affected by an iOS update. Turned out the guy had had the phone repaired by a 3rd party workshop by installing a fingerprint sensor scavenged from a broken phone. The the sensor then stopped working because Apple issued an update where they tightened security measures, detected the key in the sensor did not match the one in the phone and disabled the sensor. However, if Apple did not do this and the phone's owner then found out that that this 3rd party salvaged fingerprint sensor was either tampered with or not installed correctly and that this then allowed a crook who stole his phone to empty the phone owner's bank account I'm pretty sure that the same person who threw a hissy fit over not being able to install salvaged parts from a non licensed repair shop would once again be pissed as shit that it's possible to install compromised parts in your phone and that the OS does nothing about it. Some fights you just can't win no matter what you do.

        • by Anubis IV ( 1279820 ) on Tuesday September 21, 2021 @12:12PM (#61817539)

          Agreed, though in the case you're citing the problem was that Apple retroactively disabled parts that people had been using for years. They subsequently issued an update that, if I recall correctly, no longer disables the parts permanently, but does disable them until the user acknowledges and accepts the responsibility for using a non-genuine part.

          To me that's a reasonable compromise, because it's conceivable that a fingerprint sensor could be replaced with one that looks the same but that has a "master key" baked in that would allow the repair shop or a nation state to always have access to the device. Forcing the device's owner to enter their password to acknowledge the potential issue before the device will accept fingerprints from the sensor is a good way of striking a balance between repairability and security.

          • by dgatwood ( 11270 )

            To me that's a reasonable compromise, because it's conceivable that a fingerprint sensor could be replaced with one that looks the same but that has a "master key" baked in that would allow the repair shop or a nation state to always have access to the device.

            A nation state would likely be able to copy the unique key off of their target's fingerprint reader so that the change would be undetected.

            • Theoretically so, sure, if they have an electron microscope and the knowledge to use it properly in this sort of context. In practice, it isn't really practical, even for a nation state. They'd need to grab the private key that's baked into the hardware, and while that's possible in theory, it isn't something you can do quickly, non-destructively, or en masse, thus limiting it to just a handful of scenarios where it may reasonably happen.

              • by dgatwood ( 11270 )

                It's not particularly useful to do en masse anyway. A repair center isn't going to see any of those devices again, realistically speaking, and unlocking the phone with a fingerprint won't work until the device is unlocked once after booting. If they're going to try to find a way to then steal back the phone, they could just fake the owner's print, and they wouldn't have to hack the reader.

                The only situation where this sort of attack even *might* be useful, practically speaking, would be if were done by s

          • Agreed, though in the case you're citing the problem was that Apple retroactively disabled parts that people had been using for years. They subsequently issued an update that, if I recall correctly, no longer disables the parts permanently, but does disable them until the user acknowledges and accepts the responsibility for using a non-genuine part.

            Even then, I don't think that would stop people who installed salvaged parts, acknowledged and accepted responsibility for using a non-genuine part and then had their bank account raided by crooks, from class action suing Apple for billions of dollars in damages and taking the case all the way to SCOTUS. The world is full of people who never take responsibility for anything and always consider themselves wronged no matter how many times they acknowledged and accepted responsibility for whatever then jumped

            • I don't think that would stop people [...] from class action suing Apple for billions of dollars in damages and taking the case all the way to SCOTUS.

              I mean, anyone in the US can sue anyone else for anything, but getting in front of SCOTUS depends on the case actually having merit, not just on the size of the pot of money the fool has available to waste on the endeavor. But yes, people will get upset or offended for any reason at all, and there's nothing anyone can do to stop it.

        • by jythie ( 914043 ) on Tuesday September 21, 2021 @01:27PM (#61817895)
          Years ago I worked for a company that produced an embedded product where we ended up having to put in a bunch of 'is this a genuine part?' checks. Why? Customers claim that they will take the responsibility of having 3rd party parts installed, but if they do not work right, they STILL go to forums and complain about how much OUR product sucks.. or even worse they put it out in the field where customers interact with it and decide it sucks because it is stuttering or not responding correctly to screen taps.

          So yeah, companies can not really win either way here, the customer wants the best of both worlds and blames the manufacturer regardless.
          • The trick is putting in a speed bump to deter Joe Sixpack, and have him know that the device is out of support, but not have it completely lock the user out. What might be something would be some type of indicator that shows out of support parts are present.

            Prusa handled this problem with their MINI printer line by forcing signed firmware only... unless one was willing to break an "appendix" from the printer's motherboard, which would allow unsigned firmwares, but would void any warranties on firmware stuf

      • I'm not seeing anything nefarious here, either.

        Or at least no worse than telemarketers and used car salesmen.

    • Right? I was thinking the same thing. Plus, when you have non-genuine parts that in all likelihood do not perform to the same standards, the experience degrades, along with your satisfaction of the product, and likely your impression of the manufacturer. Screens in Apple devices are some of the most complex displays on the planet. Everything from pixel density, to color accuracy, to info about force-touch ant multitouch position sensor are integrated into that unit. It has some SPECTACULAR glass covering it
      • Same argument is made by printer makers and Genuine ink from them.

        • And not all 3rd-party inks are made to the same standards as printer makers.

          On the other hand, I'm not saying that printer ink is not overpriced, because it absolutely is.

        • We have several offices, in the ones that always use genuine Brother toner the printers last years and years and all the prints are clear as day. The offices that stretch their budget by buying generics always seem to send us streaky paperwork... It stands to reason that if Brother are baking a tidy profit into their toner cartridges, then so too would the 3rd party, and if they are substantially cheaper then they will have cut more than just one corner. I have to imagine the HP super profit markup is not s
          • Toner cartridge implies laser printer. I haven't seen laserjet prints streak, that's more of an inkjet thing. HP printers that have the DRM for ink refills are inkjet; super cheap-ass printers, and super cheap-ass ink with a massive mark-up. There is no "quality" involved in an HP inkjet printer compared to a laser printer.

            • Having had to produce physical documents for certified archival purposes, I can assure you there are different quality levels of both inks and papers.

              Does the average person need better-quality inks with longer resistance to fading and discoloration? Probably not, aside from family photos. The budget printer they bought will have more of an impact on quality than their ink selection.

              • Actually, I've found that laser printers often are terrible at long term storage. That toner wears out and can flake off or stick to the page on the other side. Whereas the cheapo inkjet lasts longer in storage even when it doesn't look as good. I don't care myself, I don't have a printer and the only thing I keep around that's printed in the taxes.

      • by narcc ( 412956 )

        Screens in Apple devices are some of the most complex displays on the planet [...] using the iPhone becomes less satisfying.

        I defy anyone to tell the difference between a third-party replacement screen and a 'genuine' screen.

        • By "anyone" do you mean the phone which has security measures in place to prevent tampering? Forgetting the security aspect, a 3rd party can substitute a cheaper LCD screen for the more expensive OLED one. But there are both the same, right?
        • Sure, just drop the phone. If the screen gets cracked then it must be a Genuine(tm) Apple product.

        • by Strider- ( 39683 )

          Not hard. My girlfriend had the screen on her iPhone 6 replaced at a "shop down the street" and the screen quality afterwards was ass. Backlighting was uneven, colour rendition terrible, and within a few months the whole thing delaminated. It was pretty damned obvious that it had been replaced by a shitty third party part.

          • by narcc ( 412956 )

            I took a few minutes and went hunting for pictures of third-party iphone screen failures. The only thing I found what Apple trying to frighten consumers into overpaying for simple repairs.

            What is it that the kids say? Pics or it didn't happen.

    • This is a common - and accepted - practice across industries. Go to your car dealer and ask him why their repairs cost so much more than guy in the old gas station down the street.

      The writer of the article presumably thinks Apple SALESMEN should present random strip mall phone repair shops as equal in every measure except price!

      • Are the car dealers being explicitly trained to discourage and scare the customers from using the very commonly available third party repair shops? I don't think so. The auto dealer shops have to compete as there is really robust competition, which means then do focus more on the appearance of quality, nice waiting rooms, free coffee, etc. For iPhone however, the competition for repairs are very scarce, or nearly non-existent if you don't live in NYC or Tokyo. Apple is very much trying to maintain the r

    • I cracked the screen on my prior iPhone. I have equipment protection coverage through my carrier so I contacted them for a replacement. They sent a 3rd-party repair guy to my workplace and he replaced my screen. Super convenient and only cost me a tiny deductible. But he used a 3rd-pary part and the screen surface itself was wavy. I use a glass screen protector* and I always had trouble getting it to attach after that - there would be bubble in the low spots on the screen. So yes, Genuine Apple parts can so
    • by gweihir ( 88907 )

      The aspect you are completely ignoring is that non-engineers cannot actually make a competent decision here.

    • by klubar ( 591384 )

      The answers are mostly truthful, if a little misleading. You'd get the same response if you took your car into a dealership for repairs and asked why the genuine Toyota parts are more expensive than the third-party options. It seems fair, there might be more quality control and fit & finish on the manufacturer-supplied part than a second source. The dealer/Apple repair shop will also stand by the part if there is a problem.

      However (mostly) with cars, use of a second-source part does not void the warrent

    • It’s totally the consumer’s choice. This is no different than when the Toyota parts guy told me why I should pay 800% more for a genuine Toyota oil filter rather than one from Fram or some other well known brand. That being said, I had the cracked screen on my 2015 iPad Pro Replaced with a non apple screen and it has been nothing but trouble since then
  • by beheaderaswp ( 549877 ) * on Tuesday September 21, 2021 @11:34AM (#61817307)

    None of these videos bother me at all..

    Sure- Apple wants to hype their own services and parts. It's not like they should RECOMMEND the shop down the street. The claim that "Apple parts may be better" may in some cases "actually be true".

    I'm all for the right to repair. But the right to repair shouldn't infringe on a company's right to market their own repairs and parts or train their employees to do that marketing for them.

    • Not only that but in point of fact there are a lot of random shitty repair parts on ebay. I still use them sometimes because, hey, money is money... but they aren't necessarily as good.
      • And that's the point. Why is Apple so concerned about requiring Genuine Apple Parts on an old iPhone 5? At that point the owner isn't worried about the quality, they just want to keep the phone going and not be forced to buy a new one (likely an Android if the salesguy is following the attitude in that training video).

        • Um... because selling parts is a subset of their business?

          Seems normal and logical to me.

          • Ok, the "normal and logical" part legally gets thrown out the window when it comes to very large companies that are monopolies or verging upon becoming monopolies. You cannot disrupt competition through unfair means, and this includes one of your business units being used to prop up a different business unit. Some rules apply regardless of a company's size. You cannot engage in price fixing for example, which is a classic form of a trust, even if that trust involves lots of individually smaller companies.

  • Louis Rossmann is going to be all over this!

  • by DontBeAMoran ( 4843879 ) on Tuesday September 21, 2021 @11:37AM (#61817341)

    "Using an Apple genuine display made for your model of iPhone is the best option", says the repair technician.

    "But I wanted to use a display made for a giant Samsung smartphone that's twice the size of my iPhone", replies the dumb customer.

    /sarcasm (obviously, but it seems we need to specify such things these days).

  • Anyone who has repaired their own car knows all about this. OEM parts are crazy expensive. But it's also true that they will normally fit perfectly and have few issues. I always found with the third party parts (except for common consumables like brake pads), that there could be slight issues with fit and finish. But I never found these to be enough of a problem that it justified paying dealership prices.

    Personally I just buy older Apple products these days (still on iPhone 7). I find their latest products

    • Yeah, I had been using Macs exclusively for the past 16 years, but switched to a Nuc with dual 32” 4K monitors running Ubuntu a few months back. I have two issues with it— the need to run TaxAct (which might work with Wine, but not sure), and a configuration utility for a PTZ camera that I had to dust off my Mac to use.

      Much happier with the solution, and it was about half the cost of a comparable (single screen) iMac.

    • In auto repair, the trick is to find the OES - Original Equipment Supplier. As an example, for a Honda Civic, you can buy "Honda" brake pads for $48 online, probably $80 to $100 at the local dealer. Or, you can go online and buy Akebono brake pads for around $38 (they used to be around $25, but apparently prices have gone up). Akebono is the OES - They make the "Honda" brake pads. So form, fit, and function are essentially identical to OEM, but at a reduced price. You can get much less expensive afterm

  • "A genuine Apple part has to pass AppleCare engineering criteria,"

    That implies that every genuine part is tested to meet the standards. Doing so WOULD make the part more expensive, and less likely to fail immediately (barring infant mortality issues).

    But do they actually test "every one", or just a statistical sampling?

    • "A genuine Apple part has to pass AppleCare engineering criteria,"

      That implies that every genuine part is tested to meet the standards. Doing so WOULD make the part more expensive, and less likely to fail immediately (barring infant mortality issues).

      But do they actually test "every one", or just a statistical sampling?

      If it is a refurbished item, I'm sure each one IS tested. I don't know if they use refurbished screens as repair parts. But it wouldn't surprise me if they did -- say a screen failed QC and couldn't be used on the assembly line. Refurb it (if possible) and reroute it into the repair pipeline...

    • by Entrope ( 68843 )

      You assume a lot about the "engineering criteria" they reference. Do those criteria actually call out tolerances, or do they merely say something like "part number X from supplier Y"? The latter is also a possible engineering criterion.

      • by Pascoea ( 968200 )
        In my experience, for commodity parts, it's most likely just "part number X from supplier Y or Z" and the supplier will have a generic SLA type of agreement that "guarantees" counterfeit parts don't make it into the supply chain. If it's a custom part the supplier has an engineering spec to build to, and that spec will specify tolerances as well as QA/QC procedure/policy. That policy will dictate whether the supplier should test 100%, spot check, or something in between. Then Apple will have their own
  • I went to a brand name Goodyear Tire dealer years ago, as I wanted a specific set of tires. After they'd installed them, I said, "Did you happen to get a look at the brakes while you had the tires off?"

    "Yeah," he said, "they're looking pretty worn, you should probably change them."

    I'd had all four brakes replaced two month earlier, and they lasted for years after that.

    Buyer beware... don't trust the opinion of the company that stands to profit from their own advice. Or maybe trust... but verify. I friend

    • Some of it is finding a trustworthy place. The advisor I use at a dealer no less told me I did not need new brakes. I'd be hearing a squeal and thought I was down to the sensor. So, took it to the dealer who setup a free loaner car while the brakes were going to be done. On my way home in the loaner, I get a call from the advisor saying you do not need new brakes. Turn around and pick up my car, no charge even for the loaner. I trust the guy. I hope he stays until I croak. He is younger than me, so fingers
      • Yup, I had a dealer throw in some extra service covered under the warranty (no cost to me) because the warranty was ending soon. Some dealers have figured out this thing called customer loyalty and retention - be nice to them and they'll be nice to you. Now some dealers aren't as good. Others tend to know the difference between those who bought the auto at their own dealership whom they'll be nice to and those who bought the auto elsewhere who get the standard rates.

  • by Maury Markowitz ( 452832 ) on Tuesday September 21, 2021 @11:39AM (#61817359) Homepage

    "What do you mean by genuine?"

    I once purchased a non-genuine replacement screen for my wife's iphone. Took a while to install, but nothing serious.

    However, it was a total POS. The glass was clearly not any form of gorilla, and *easily* scratched. The pixels were visible, and the entire screen had a blue tint. It lasted a few weeks and then stopped working.

    Complete waste of money.

    • Yeah, went to the kiosk across fro the apple store at my local mall for a screen replacement. Scratches, dust behind the glass, etc. it was cheaper in every possible meaning of the word. Was acceptable to me because I was handing it down to my kids to use, not my daily driver anymore, but there really is a difference between what many 3rd party repair shops install and what youâ(TM)ll get from Apple.
    • by Pieroxy ( 222434 )

      Agreed, same for me here. Batteries and replacement screens are a lot cheaper outside of Apple, but you clearly don't get the same product.

  • So Apple really wants people to use their parts when repairing devices at an authorized repair shop . . . And? If Apple forbade 3rd party parts, that would another story. I mean the car dealership does the same thing.
  • When your hatred of Apple makes you think that a standard business practice just like auto manufacturers suggesting you use "Genuine GM parts, or Genuine Toyota anti-freeze is an unethical practice.

    It's not a good look to be that triggered.

    • auto manufacturers suggesting you use "Genuine GM parts, or Genuine Toyota anti-freeze is an unethical practice

      Of course it is. Just because it's the norm doesn't mean it's decent human behavior.

      • by Pascoea ( 968200 )
        Would you stake the reputation of your company on unknown parts?

        doesn't mean it's decent human behavior.

        Ha. Decent human behavior isn't in the business equation, unless there's something to be gained financially.

    • by GlennC ( 96879 )

      The difference is that, while I can buy OEM auto parts from either a local dealer or online, I can't buy replacement Apple parts to do the repair myself.

      Third-party repair shops can't either.

  • Every other company does the same thing, and not only rightly so, but also to the benefit of 3rd party repair shops. If Toyota charged you the same to fix your car than any 3rd party shop, they'd put most of the 3rd party stored out of business.
    • If Toyota charged the same, we wouldn't need the third parties.
      The reason to go somewhere else is so you don't get screwed.
      Saying that means screwing you is actually a decent thing to do is just twisted.

      • by xwin ( 848234 )
        The reason to go to Toyota dealer is that you don't get screwed. Toyota pays very close attention to the dealers and their service. Every time I go to the Toyota dealer to fix my car I get a survey about how the dealer did. And if dealer does not do the job right I have a place to complain. Yes they charge a lot more than a shop down the street, but they do the job better most of the time. I went to the cheap shops, the dealer and the expensive shops. The cheap shops will cross thread your oil filter, or do
        • by lsllll ( 830002 )

          The cheap shops will cross thread your oil filter

          I laughed pretty hard when I read this. A place that does nothing BUT change your oil has a LOT more experience changing oil than your Toyota dealer does. They're least likely to do something like that.

          I have owned a few cars in my time: 1990 Toyota Camry, 1983 Mazda RX7, 1994 Nissan Maxima, 1993 Nissan Pathfinder, 2001 Nissan XTerra, 1990 BMW 525, 2002 Acura MDX, 2012 Toyota Rav4, 1998 BMW M3 (which I still have and drive), and 2006 BMW M5 (which is my main driving car). Additionally, I've worked on var

          • The cheap shops will cross thread your oil filter

            I laughed pretty hard when I read this. A place that does nothing BUT change your oil has a LOT more experience changing oil than your Toyota dealer does. They're least likely to do something like that.

            My father had an oil change from a large chain outfit that leaked because the filter was missing the o-ring seal. The one the filter instructions say "when installing rub a drop of oil on seal." Monkeys are monkeys no matter who pays their wages.

      • You are asserting that all parts are the same but Toyota is screwing you by charging more for no reason. From my experience with car parts, that is not always true. 3rd party parts can be cheaper and be just as functional but that is not 100% guaranteed.

        I had to replace an axle on my Toyota; the shop tried to install the 3rd party axle to find out it did not fit. The mechanics verified it was the correct part number for that car. Since they already had the car on the lift, they had to get another axle fro

  • Show me a company that doesn't market and advertise its own dog food, and I'll show you a company that doesn't understand the business world they're in. From Apple to Zoom, they're all operating in a competitive capitalist market that drives you to promote your own solutions. Stupid and pointless to even try and single Apple out this way.

    Hate of any flavor sells these days. Call it a marketing problem. Will society regret promoting that? We already are. Greed doesn't give a shit about your click addic

  • It's more expensive? Yes. Do they provide an excellent warranty to the point they'll replace the whole device if they fuck up? Yes.

    I mean, penny pinch all you want, but Apple repairs are top notch in terms of getting a device that works as new.

  • this is one of your weakest attempts at stirring up strife and controversey; what you've posted is nothing more than normal business operations and nothing nefarious going on here

    so lame, but here I am responding to it, so you win!

  • I've had this conversation with somebody once, they explained to me how they kept breaking their iPhone screen and how iPhones suck.

    So I asked them what happened. They explained how they initially broke the screen, it was an dropped and kicked on a concrete sidewalk and they were unsurprised it broke. Ok, fair, right?

    So they took it to Apple and didn't like the quoted price, so they took it somewhere else to get it repaired. The place they went to claimed they used Apple glass, but they were not an authoriz

  • 17 comments so far and they're all either neutral or pro-Apple... OK, granted, they have a right to give a sales pitch for their their own products and services. And, yes, lots of other companies do the same thing.

    But the sales pitch they are giving is about 99% horseshit, and Vice is correct to draw attention to that fact. Apple repairs tend to be wildly overpriced and there are thousands of reputable repair shops that will offer you a better deal. As an example, I've replaced the charging jack in my iP

  • Talking up the benefits of your product/service vs your competition.

    It's called business.

    • by narcc ( 412956 )

      The problem comes when they lie about the competition . Dishonestly should never be acceptable. That includes things that are technically true but intentionally misleading.

      Don't give me that "every company lies" line. That doesn't make it okay, it means we need to give the FTC a bigger stick.

      • And what lie is presented in the videos? Apple saying their parts are better than others is a matter of opinion.
        • by narcc ( 412956 )

          I believe I covered misleading statements in my original posts. Opinion presented as fact is misleading.

          Why are you so hot to have companies lie to you?

          • I believe I covered misleading statements in my original posts.

            So I am supposed to scour all of slashdot to find what you said. You can't link or copy your own words?

            Opinion presented as fact is misleading.

            Please cite what you mean. I am not going to read your mind.

            Why are you so hot to have companies lie to you?

            You keep saying they "lie" to me but are unwilling to show what lies you mean. Maybe you are lying to me?

            • by narcc ( 412956 )

              So I am supposed to scour all of slashdot to find what you said. You can't link or copy your own words?

              No, just the post to which you replied.

              Learn to read.

              • No, just the post to which you replied.

                You posted: "The problem comes when they lie about the competition . Dishonestly should never be acceptable. That includes things that are technically true but intentionally misleading."

                You presented zero facts. You presented accusations and assertions. When asked for more details you referenced your original statements as proof of your original assertions. That is self-recursive logic. "My statement is true because I made the statement." Perhaps you should read your own statements.

                • by narcc ( 412956 )

                  You're really living up to your name.

                  You presented accusations

                  You really are illiterate. Please, where is this alleged 'accusation' that I made?

                  When asked for more details you referenced your original statements as proof of your original assertions.

                  That's very obviously not true. If you were capable of reading, you'd have noticed that I relied only to the first part of your post. I even quoted it so that you wouldn't get confused. You're dumber than I thought.

                  This is what you didn't understand:

                  Opinion presented as fact is misleading.

                  This is a very simple statement. It's not even controversial. If you don't understand it, that's your problem, not mine. Go be dumb some

      • The problem comes when they lie about the competition . Dishonestly should never be acceptable. That includes things that are technically true but intentionally misleading.

        Don't give me that "every company lies" line. That doesn't make it okay, it means we need to give the FTC a bigger stick.

        So "technically true" and "true" are not the same thing? Which part of the discourse do you find misleading?

        • by narcc ( 412956 )

          So "technically true" and "true" are not the same thing?

          You can tell a pretty big lie while only making true statements. Most of us figure this out when we're children.

          • So "technically true" and "true" are not the same thing?

            You can tell a pretty big lie while only making true statements. Most of us figure this out when we're children.

            The truth is not a lie. If someone is being misled by factual answers, then they're not asking the right questions.

            • by narcc ( 412956 )

              It's not the victims fault that you're dishonest.

              How do you look at yourself in the mirror?

  • "With a genuine Apple display, all the features you've come to rely on behave seamlessly...that's not the case with third party displays."

    Isn't there a grain of truth to this, though? You have parasitic third-parties doing everything the can to try feed off the mega-corp making these wildly successful and expensive products, and there's no official marketplace by which you can learn which third-parties are less crappy than others, aside from the "word of mouth" network. With third-parties, you're really

  • by mveloso ( 325617 ) on Tuesday September 21, 2021 @12:28PM (#61817613)

    Most Americans don't know this: in Asia you can buy various grades of replacement parts in these really big electronic bazaars. And as you can imagine, price is directly related to quality.

    Some haven't gone through QA. Some have minor or major flaws. Some are overruns. Some are just bad.

    You can pick and choose the quality of the replacement.

    I personally have gotten B and C quality screens, just to see. They had weird colors after a while, some aren't laminated correctly, some have a digitizer that doesn't quite have the same resolution as Apple's screens.

    So really YMMV. You generally can't tell the quality of a part until it fails, so buyer beware.

  • by nomadic ( 141991 )

    I don't see the big deal. It's accurate? I got an ipad screen repaired at a third-party shop and it was ok and frankly worth it give the age of the device and the low cost, but it really wasn't as responsive anymore.

  • Shades of "Genuine GM" or Ford or whatever.

    This is really old school stuff. Been around forever, or at least ever since somebody manufactured something under a brand name.

    I would hope most consumers are tuned into this sort of manipulation. However, to be fair, there can be a difference. Third party Apple touch screens often have a colour variation from the original part. Not noticeable unless there is a side by side comparison but still not the same. Sometimes there is no difference.

    Caveat emptor

  • I was waiting at the Expert counter in the Apple store when a customer requested a replacement screen for her daughter's mobile device. The screen looked like it had been smacked by a sledgehammer, completely shattered. When the counter asked how the damage happened, the mother said her daughter had dropped it on the sofa.
  • Next we're going to get terrible, terrible ads from BMW that suggest their cars are better than a Honda. Or maybe Rolex salesmen will just roll their eyes if you tell them a Casio is just as good.

  • Wouldn't the videos be even better if they were done in the style of "Reefer Madness" & presented by Troy McClure?
  • There are already so many poor quality products out there. Does anyone honestly expect that there won't be low-quality replacement parts out there if right-to-repair takes off?

    I trust myself to find decent hardware when I need to fix something. I wouldn't trust most of my family to do the same. And if Apple doesn't explain why you should prefer their parts, no one else will.

    I hate companies that overcharge for parts, but let's not forget about all of the companies that knowingly produce and ship garbage.

2.4 statute miles of surgical tubing at Yale U. = 1 I.V.League

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