In late 2025, a groundbreaking comeback and a game-changing AI tool shook the consumer electronics repair space. On December 9, repair giant iFixit re-entered Apple’s App Store after a 10-year ban, and with its return came FixBot—an AI-powered repair assistant that’s redefining how regular users and hobbyists tackle broken phones, laptops, and tablets. No more fumbling with confusing tutorials or overpaying for simple fixes; FixBot turns anyone into a capable DIY repairer.
1. A Decade in the Making: iFixit’s Triumphant App Store Return
iFixit’s App Store journey has been fraught with twists. Back in 2015, Apple removed its original app following iFixit’s teardown of an Apple TV developer kit, which violated Apple’s service terms at the time. For 10 years, the repair community was left without an official mobile hub to access iFixit’s trusted guides—until 2025.
The relaunched app isn’t just a nostalgic throwback; it’s a fully revamped platform built for modern needs. Available on both iOS and Android, it combines iFixit’s legendary repair resources with cutting-edge AI via FixBot, marking a new era for accessible device maintenance.
2. FixBot’s Superpowers: More Than a Chatbot, a Hands-On Repair Mentor
Unlike generic AI tools that regurgitate generic advice, FixBot is trained on millions of verified iFixit community repairs—not random internet data. This ensures its guidance is practical, device-specific, and battle-tested. Here’s how it transforms the repair process:
(1) Intuitive Diagnosis: Talk It Out or Snap a Pic
Got a phone that dies at 30% battery, a laptop with a glitchy trackpad, or a tablet with a cracked screen? FixBot eliminates the need for technical jargon. You can either:
- Voice your issue: Simply say, “My iPhone won’t charge when plugged in” or “My MacBook screen flickers on startup.”
- Upload photos: Snap a shot of the damaged component, and FixBot will analyze it to pinpoint the problem.
Within seconds, it delivers tailored solutions matched to your exact device model—no more sifting through irrelevant guides
(2) Hands-Free Guidance: Repair Without Pausing to Read
The biggest pain of DIY repairs is balancing tools and a screen full of instructions. FixBot solves this with continuous voice prompts that walk you through every step. For example, when replacing a phone battery, it will coach you: “Use the P2 pentalobe screwdriver to remove the two bottom screws, then gently pry the screen away from the frame.” This keeps your hands free for the task, reducing the risk of accidental damage.
(3) Proactive Battery Monitoring: Avoid Last-Minute Dead Devices
Battery failure often strikes without warning—but FixBot helps you stay ahead. The app tracks your device’s battery health in real time, generating visual graphs of capacity decline over weeks or months. It sends advance alerts (sometimes months early) when your battery is approaching the end of its lifespan, letting you schedule a replacement at your convenience instead of panicking mid-trip or during a work deadline.
(4) One-Stop Repair Hub: Guides, Parts, and Compatibility Checks
FixBot doesn’t stop at telling you how to fix something—it helps you source the right tools and parts, too. The app houses all of iFixit’s mobile-optimized repair guides, and it lets you purchase genuine, device-compatible parts directly from iFixit’s store. A built-in compatibility checker ensures you never buy a mismatched battery or screen, eliminating the hassle of returns and wasted money.
3. Pricing: Free Access for All, Premium Perks for Enthusiasts
iFixit has designed FixBot to be inclusive, with core features available for free forever:
- Voice/photo diagnosis for common device issues
- Basic hands-free repair guidance
- Real-time battery health tracking
- Unlimited access to free repair guides
For power users (like professional technicians or dedicated DIY hobbyists), a $4.99/month Enthusiast Plan will launch later, unlocking:
- Advanced diagnostics for complex problems (e.g., motherboard malfunctions)
- Support for uploading custom schematics and repair documents
- Priority access to new FixBot features and updates
To celebrate the app’s launch, iFixit is currently offering all premium features for free—a limited-time opportunity to test FixBot’s full capabilities without paying a cent.
4. The Bigger Picture: FixBot’s Impact on the Repair Industry
Before FixBot, device repairs were a lose-lose for many: users either paid exorbitant shop fees, wasted hours on untrustworthy online tutorials, or discarded functional-but-broken devices (adding to e-waste). FixBot flips this narrative by:
- Democratizing repair: Making basic fixes accessible to anyone, regardless of technical skill.
- Cutting costs: DIY repairs eliminate labor fees and markup from third-party shops.
- Reducing e-waste: Extending device lifespans keeps more gadgets out of landfills.
For professional repair shops, FixBot isn’t a competitor—it’s a complement. It handles routine fixes (like battery swaps or screen replacements), freeing shops to focus on high-skill, high-value tasks (such as micro-soldering or water damage recovery). The result is a more efficient, sustainable repair ecosystem for all stakeholders.
Whether you’re a first-time DIYer nervous about prying open your phone, or a seasoned pro looking to streamline repairs, FixBot delivers reliable, user-friendly support. It’s more than an app—it’s a step toward a future where we take ownership of our devices, waste less, and save more.