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It's not about changing the phone, it's about making the OEM tools, parts and service information available to independent shops so they can repair a waterproof

It's not about changing the phone, it's about making the OEM tools, parts and service information available to independent shops so they can repair a waterproof phone the same way someone at the manufacturer does the same repair. I suppose if an individual wants to buy an expensive tool to do a single repair that would be available to the individual too, but that's not typically what I would expect when we're talking about cases that involve an expensive tool. For example, Chevy dealers have to buy a $15,000 lift/harness to lower and service or replace the battery in a chevy volt. In Massachusetts, that harness would be available to independent mechanics and consumers too, but I doubt any consumers actually buy it. However, at least the independent shops can and that means consumers can take it somewhere other than a Chevy dealer if they want.

TheGRS 6y ago
There's a good argument to be made around helping local economies with this as well. Part of auto's impact during the 20th century was creating all these small businesses of car dealers, auto repair shops, oil change stations, gas station attendants, etc. The products of the 21st century largely don't enable any of that, the money just all goes to Apple and Samsung. And like, I don't immediately think to call up a local electronics repair specialist, I go to the Apple Store. And more likely than not I usually replace my phone before considering heavy repairs since its usually a couple years old at that point anyway.