[zer0her0]

I kind of find this video to be disingenuous. She claims that the device was direct from Apple and only proof is by the parts they used and the craftsmanship, in the comments she does mention receipt, but no timeframe so could've been replaced by Apple the later repaired by someone else, also she implies 3rd party vendors parts and craftsmanship is just as good. So wouldn't it stand to reason that it's equally possible they got the repair done somewhere else and not mention it?

I've worked as a tech long enough to know customers often forget to mention all damage, issues & past repairs. Sometimes out of malice, but generally simply because they forgot, they don't know better or they weren't privy to all the info (bringing it in for some other family member, so on).

Also, bad boards happen regardless if they're refurbished or new. With Apple supplied boards I find that to be the exception rather then the rule. Wish I could say the same about 3rd party vendors, I understand it's a cut throat business and Apple getting into the business a decade and a half ago didn't help, but this video really seems to want to make Apple out as the villain trying to pass off crap products/repairs as ok.

[jessa_ipadrehab]

After opening thousands of iPads, there is no question whether you are opening an iPad sealed by Apple, or if has had a prior repair and been resealed.

Independent repair screen swaps can be very good, especially when 100% of the old adhesive is removed, the frame cleaned, and the aftermarket adhesive is of original quality. But even with this, the pressure required to remove the sealed screen is less than an original screen. The dust seal between the LCD and digitizer can't be replicated (or isn't replicated) by independent repair. The dust seal in this mini was intact.

There is no question, from experience, that this mini was an Apple refurb. Also, I don't know of any other shop that would replace the iPad mini PMIC. We only do it under duress since the effort required to CNC drill out the old chip, combined with the cost of the new chip is not amenable to profitable board repair compared the market value of a used iPad mini first gen.

There is no question that this board was an Apple refurb, and it's not the first one that I've seen that is like it. In reality, it is a very good refurb. Those damaged caps are not likely to cause any practical problems, and replacing the PMIC underfill was probably deemed not that important--which I would agree with.

I have no problem with Apple putting out refurbs like this, it is a great environmental move. But own it. It is what it is. I'd like to see Apple say "You betcha, that's our work and we're damn proud of it."

[zer0her0]

Thank you for the explanation, I left the repair industry just as iOS devices started to take the forefront and there wasn't much left to "repair" w/o getting out (de)soldering and reflow equipment.

Pretty sure they do "own it", that's what the whole warranty, either original or 90 days from last repair is all about. ;) I just think a single digit # of boards, that should've possibly failed QA, making it out to the public compared to the thousands you've seen is a pretty good testament to them being damn proud of their work.

Re-reading the description for your video, I think the issue is for non-AASP repair centers, much like any 3rd party repair location (whether it be Apple, or some other name brand electronic, appliance, or vehicle) is guaranteeing the quality of parts and labor one gets from the plethora of independents out there. I think the real issue to rail against is the plethora of poor 3rd party repairs that aren't certified or backed by any sort of warranty vs these outliers, as they're the ones that really cast a bad light on the independent.

[tbirdz]

Hi Jessa! Thanks for making the video, and welcome to Hacker News.