Google partners with iFixit to offer genuine spare parts for Pixel phones

[Shawn Knight]

What just happened? Google has partnered with DIY electronics repair specialist iFixit to make genuine Pixel phone parts available to independent repair technicians and skilled consumers. Starting later this year, parts will be available to purchase from iFixit for Pixel 2 through Pixel 6 Pro in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and EU countries where Google's handsets are sold.

A full range of common components including replacement displays, cameras and batteries will be available either individually or as part of an iFixit Fix Kit alongside handy tools like screwdrivers and spudgers.

Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones are guaranteed to receive security updates until at least October 2026, making them viable for years to come. Earlier devices like the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL will see support end next month, so you'll want to think twice about replacing parts on older models.

Google isn't the first hardware maker to strike up a partnership with iFixit. Motorola joined forces with iFixit in 2018 to offer genuine parts for some of its phones. Valve this past February said iFixit would be an authorized reseller of replacement parts for the Steam Deck and Valve Index VR products. Samsung just last week said Galaxy S20 and S21 owners as well as those with a Galaxy Tab S7+ would be able to buy tools and replacement parts from iFixit beginning this summer.

Those who would rather leave repairs up to the professionals can reach out to one of Google's authorized repair providers. uBreakiFix, for example, has more than 750 locations across the US and Canada. They use OEM parts and tools provided by Google, and all repairs are backed by a one year warranty.

Image credit Kilian Seiler, iFixit

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https://www.techspot.com/news/94117-google-partners-ifixit-offer-genuine-spare-parts-pixel.html

 

[Ojref]

I gotta wonder what iFixit agreed to in order to sign the deal. I'm sure we'll find out as time goes on.

 

[psycros]

This is a significant win for R2R, and as usual the balm for toxic capitalism was enlightened capitalism.

 

[Sausagemeat]

I don’t understand why Google can’t guarantee more than just security updates until 2026, it’s not like they don’t have the money to pay for the developers. Apple delivers full feature updates for 5-6+ years on every phone they sell.

 

[p51d007]

I don’t understand why Google can’t guarantee more than just security updates until 2026, it’s not like they don’t have the money to pay for the developers. Apple delivers full feature updates for 5-6+ years on every phone they sell.

Because they wouldn't be able to attempt to scare you into buying a NEW more EXPENSIVE phone. "ummm...your phone doesn't get updates, you could be HACKED", but if you buy this new...

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Great news for phone owners, makes the pixel a much more viable purchase for the cost conscience. If they finally put a bigger battery to hit over 5000 mah and offer more onboard storage I may consider one

I don’t understand why Google can’t guarantee more than just security updates until 2026, it’s not like they don’t have the money to pay for the developers. Apple delivers full feature updates for 5-6+ years on every phone they sell.

Because you don't need feature updates for apps to work on Android, unlike apple who yies apps to the OS in a manner that you HAVE to keep feature updating the device or break compatibility, resulting in phones getting so many new features they slow to a crawl after 5 years.

Why do you NEED the latest google sanctioned emojis and UI musical chairs to use a phone?

 

[NumberSix]

Because they wouldn't be able to attempt to scare you into buying a NEW more EXPENSIVE phone. "ummm...your phone doesn't get updates, you could be HACKED", but if you buy this new...

Nice idea but it doesn't really hold water given they are providing security update until 2026, it is OS updates they aren't providing for 5 years.

 

[Sausagemeat]

Great news for phone owners, makes the pixel a much more viable purchase for the cost conscience. If they finally put a bigger battery to hit over 5000 mah and offer more onboard storage I may consider one

Because you don't need feature updates for apps to work on Android, unlike apple who yies apps to the OS in a manner that you HAVE to keep feature updating the device or break compatibility, resulting in phones getting so many new features they slow to a crawl after 5 years.

Why do you NEED the latest google sanctioned emojis and UI musical chairs to use a phone?

Nobody claimed you “need” these updates. But when there are new Android features with an update? Why do you think it’s ok not to get them? Especially when the competition provides them.

You’re also wrong, you don’t “need” Apples new features. The difference is Apple gives them to their users but Android device manufacturers do not.

 

[Sausagemeat]

Because they wouldn't be able to attempt to scare you into buying a NEW more EXPENSIVE phone. "ummm...your phone doesn't get updates, you could be HACKED", but if you buy this new...

That’s exactly it. Why would Android device manufacturers spend money to support older phones when instead they can take money off dumb android buyers for new devices?

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Nobody claimed you “need” these updates. But when there are new Android features with an update? Why do you think it’s ok not to get them? Especially when the competition provides them.

When a new car comes out with a new feature, do you demand it be put on your old car? What about when a new appliance comes out? New TV? If the store comes out with a new 36 pack of soda do you demand they update your 24 pack you bought yesterday?

Phones are appliances. I, and most people, buy a phone for what it can do today, not what it *might* be able to do in 3 years with a software update. Security updates? That makes sense. But feature updates? Let me ask you, what feature updates are SOOOO important that you wont buy an android phone over them? Over the last 4 years, android has added:

-more emojis
-removed old emojis that were "problematic"
-forced use of their new media API for file access that is 10x slower then the old standard
-added granulated file permission so you now need to accept each permission for an app individually instead of all at once
-added a notification when you have an app that hasnt used a permission in awhile so you have to re enable it again
-forced touch screen swipes as standard instead of the classic 3 button system that works way better.
EDIT: I forgot! - android 12 will introduce a new feature where if your app isnt set up for android 12 security it will disappear said app from the store and you cant have it anymore! YAY for corporate overlords!

Wow. Such update. Many feature. Amaze.

Android 11 was a step backwards compared to my older phone running android 7, and the LAST thing I want is more feature updates ruining the experience now that I've restored most of the functionality that google screwed up.

So let me ask: what is this amazing new feature that is so important to have that you argue that google needs to push more feature updates for?

You’re also wrong, you don’t “need” Apples new features. The difference is Apple gives them to their users but Android device manufacturers do not.

You DO "need" new apple features if you want to continue downloading apps, apparently your brain had an aneurism reading my comment. If you dont download every new feature update then you have 1-2 years before your device is left behind. I deal with this at work and the iPads we buy for education, they're stuck on iOS 13 and the apps now require iOS 14. two years without a feature update and they are now useless.

 

[Hardware Geek]

The never ending iPhone vs android flame war is really getting old. Why does one person's preference make another person's preference bad or wrong? Having options is a good thing. The competition between them has made the experience better for both platforms. I think that's a good thing. That's my opinion, and the great thing is that you're free to disagree with my preference and it doesn't mean that one is right or wrong. I guess in today's world, agreeing to disagree is old fashioned, which I guess makes me old.

 

[RudyBob]

This is a significant win for R2R, and as usual the balm for toxic capitalism was enlightened capitalism.

Capitalism is not toxic. Socialism, Communism and all the other ism's are

 

[RudyBob]

The never ending iPhone vs android flame war is really getting old. Why does one person's preference make another person's preference bad or wrong?

They don't get out of the house enough

 

[Hexic]

The never ending iPhone vs android flame war is really getting old. Why does one person's preference make another person's preference bad or wrong? Having options is a good thing. The competition between them has made the experience better for both platforms. I think that's a good thing. That's my opinion, and the great thing is that you're free to disagree with my preference and it doesn't mean that one is right or wrong. I guess in today's world, agreeing to disagree is old fashioned, which I guess makes me old.

These days you see more ad hominem in arguments like these. Party A personally questioning the intelligence and common sense of Party B - just because they don't agree.

Most don't have tact when disagreeing, they just go straight for personal insults.. in agreement with you, unlike the days awhile back.