Apple and the Right to Repair: High Part Costs, Service Programs and New iOS 26 Features

In the first week of August 2025, Apple-related news has focused on repair rights and device longevity. The expansion of the Self Service Repair program to iPad tablets has been met with criticism because the prices of replacement parts are much higher than those offered by independent suppliers. At the same time, Apple launched a free service program for M2 Mac mini units that fail to power on and introduced new iOS 26 features that help care for the battery. Below we analyse these three updates and their potential impact on your decision to keep or upgrade your devices.

iPad Repair Program and the Pricing Backlash

Apple’s May announcement added the iPad Air (M2 and later), iPad Pro (M4), iPad mini (A17 Pro) and iPad (A16) to the Self Service Repair store. The program sells official screens, batteries and charging ports to users and technicians, but criticism quickly emerged. An August 1 analysis highlights that a charging port for the 11‑inch iPad Pro costs $250 through Apple’s program, while a third‑party replacement can be found for under $20 [1]. Likewise, a battery costs $199 from Apple but around $30 from independent suppliers [2].

Right-to-repair advocates argue that these prices discourage DIY repairs and push customers back to official service channels or new device purchases [1]. Experts quoted by 404 Media say Apple sets such high prices because “they know if the price is high enough no one will buy it” [2]. Apple defends its approach by stressing that genuine parts include warranties and are calibrated to integrate properly [3]. However, the cost is compounded by tool rentals and the time required to learn the repair, which reduces the appeal of at-home fixes.

Service Program for the M2 Mac mini (2023)

In mid‑June Apple announced a free service program for a power issue affecting the M2 Mac mini (2023). The company says a very small percentage of these units may stop powering on, and offers free repair through its stores or authorized service providers [4]. The program covers units manufactured between June 16 and November 23 2024 [5] and requires customers to bring their computer to a service center; mail‑in repair is not available [6]. If other issues are found, customers may be charged for those repairs [7].

While this program addresses a specific defect, it underscores the importance of checking whether your device is eligible and using service campaigns before considering a new purchase. The M2 Mac mini debuted in January 2023 and was replaced by the M4 version in October 2024 [8]. If your computer is working fine, there is no technical reason to upgrade; and if it shows power issues, Apple offers a free fix.

iOS 26 and Smart Battery Management

Beyond hardware, Apple has improved battery care in iOS 26. According to 9to5Mac, the system features a new Adaptive Power mode that makes performance adjustments when it detects higher‑than‑normal consumption; it can lower the display brightness or let some tasks take slightly longer to extend battery life [9]. The mode can be enabled in power settings and complements the traditional Low Power Mode.

Another useful addition is that iOS 26 can display on the lock screen the estimated time until the battery reaches 80 percent [10]. The battery menu now includes a graph comparing your current usage with daily and weekly averages and flags any app that is using more power than usual [11]. These tools help users understand their habits and decide when to charge the phone or enable power‑saving modes.

Reflection: Balancing Control and Sustainability

The three news items reveal different aspects of Apple’s relationship with repair and longevity. The expansion of Self Service Repair to iPad is a step toward democratizing maintenance, yet high part costs limit its reach [12]. The free service program for the M2 Mac mini shows that the company does respond to manufacturing issues, though it requires users to visit an authorized center [4]. Meanwhile, the new features in iOS 26 emphasize extending battery life, which could delay the need for a new device [9].

At iProX we believe technology should serve us for longer and that decisions should be based on information and real needs. Before switching devices, consider extending their lifespan: take advantage of official service programs, try the new power‑saving features, and research whether independent repair makes economic sense. The right to repair is not only about cost; it is also key to reducing electronic waste and promoting responsible consumption.