Is Apple Product Repair Pricing Becoming Unsustainable for the Average User?

Hey r/apple,

I wanted to open up a discussion about the rising (or seemingly high) cost of out-of-warranty repairs for Apple products. It feels like increasingly, any significant repair—whether it's a cracked screen, a logic board issue, or even some battery replacements on older models—can set you back a substantial amount, often a significant percentage of the device's original price, sometimes even nearing the cost of a new one.

For example, I've heard stories (and experienced some myself) where a major repair for an iPhone or MacBook without AppleCare+ costs more than a decent used device, or pushes you to consider just buying a brand new one instead. This sometimes leads to tough choices for users, especially when compared to repair options for other electronics.

• Has anyone here had a recent repair experience that left them surprised by the cost?
• Do you feel the current pricing pushes users heavily towards AppleCare+ or even buying new devices rather than repairing?
• What are your thoughts on the "value" of an Apple repair vs. a third-party repair (considering potential warranty implications or part quality)?
• Do you think Apple's repair strategy aligns with environmental concerns (e-waste) or the growing "right to repair" movement?

I'm curious to hear your experiences, perspectives and any tips on navigating these repair costs!