In Rosebank, proximity to our Hyde Park workshop means a same-day assessment is usually possible. Whether your device suffered a fall, got wet, or simply stopped responding one morning, we'll work through the fault systematically. This post explains what we see, what it costs, and how we get your Apple device working again.
Why Apple Devices Stop Turning On: The Technical Reality
The "won't turn on" symptom can hide several distinct faults. We've learned that rushing to conclusions wastes time and money.
Power delivery failures are the most common culprit. A faulty charging port, damaged USB-C connector, or worn Lightning cable prevents the battery from charging. Your device isn't dead; it's simply drained and can't wake. We test this first with our diagnostic rig — a controlled power source that bypasses the standard charging circuit. If the device responds, you're looking at a port replacement or cable swap.
Battery degradation affects older devices particularly. After 500–1,000 charge cycles, lithium cells lose capacity. An iPhone from 2019 might hold only 60% of its original charge. In cold Johannesburg mornings during load shedding, when many people charge devices overnight in frigid homes, battery failure accelerates. We replace the battery in-house; costs start at R599 for the diagnostic assessment, then R800–R1,200 depending on the device model.
Logic board faults are where things get serious. A failed power management IC (integrated circuit), water damage, or manufacturing defect can prevent the device from booting. We've seen this in MacBook Airs returned from overseas with no protective case, or iPhones dropped into Johannesburg's fountains at the Rosebank Mall. Logic board repair demands micro-soldering expertise — something we offer through our logic board repair service for devices where component-level recovery is viable.
Software corruption is rare but possible. If your device shows a black screen but still vibrates when you press buttons, a forced restart or DFU (Device Firmware Update) recovery might help. We'll guide you through this free diagnostic step before charging anything.
What the Rosebank Assessment Covers: From R599
Our assessment fee of R599 includes:
This fee credits toward any repair you approve. We're transparent about what we find because guesswork leads to repeat visits and frustrated clients.
In our Rosebank-adjacent Hyde Park workshop, we perform this assessment while you wait — usually 20–30 minutes. You'll speak directly with the technician handling your device, not a sales person reading a script. If we identify a straightforward port replacement (R450), you can approve the work immediately and collect your device the same day. If it's a battery swap, that's 1–2 hours depending on device type.
Turnaround Times and Real-World Factors
Turnaround depends on the fault type and parts availability.
Charging port replacement: 2–4 hours. We stock ports for iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and iPad Air/Pro models. Older iPhone 6 and 7 ports sometimes require a 1–2 day lead time.
Battery replacement: 4–6 hours for most iPhones and iPad Air models. MacBook batteries take longer (1–2 days) because of the disassembly involved.
Logic board repair: 3–7 working days. This includes micro-soldering, testing, and reflashing. We don't rush these — a faulty repair on a logic board creates cascading failures that cost more to fix.
[Liquid damage assessment](/liquid-damage): If your device was wet, we perform an ultrasonic clean, replace corroded components, and test over 48 hours. Turnaround is 5–10 working days depending on corrosion severity.
During Johannesburg's load-shedding windows, our workshop remains open with backup power. We've arranged priority scheduling so your device doesn't sit idle waiting for electricity.
Warranty, Pricing, and Why We're Your Best Local Option
We offer up to a three-year warranty on repairs (the longest in Johannesburg, we believe). This applies to parts and labour. If a battery we install fails within 12 months, we replace it free. If a port replacement develops a loose connection within 24 months, we resolder it at no charge.
Pricing sits below Johannesburg's Sandton Apple-authorised dealers. A battery replacement at an official Apple Store (Sandton City) runs R1,500–R2,000 depending on model. We charge R800–R1,200 and deliver identical results with a shorter wait. A port replacement runs R999 here; Apple quotes R1,800–R2,500 and often demands a full logic board swap (because they don't perform micro-soldering).
We've serviced over 12,000 devices in the past four years alone. That volume lets us negotiate better parts pricing and means we've seen every variation of "won't turn on" imaginable. When you arrive in Rosebank with a dead iPhone, our technician has likely repaired 200 identical models.
How to Get Started: Three Steps
Step 1: WhatsApp us on 064 529 5863 with a photo of your device and a description of what happened (dropped, wet, wouldn't charge, etc.).
Step 2: Book online at zasupport.com/book for a same-day or next-day slot at our Hyde Park workshop (10-minute drive from Rosebank).
Step 3: Bring your device and any chargers or cables you have. We'll diagnose, quote, and repair while you wait (if you approve).
If you'd prefer to learn more before visiting, our support team can answer technical questions via email or call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will you replace my device for free under Apple warranty?
We're not an official Apple repair centre, so we don't process Apple warranty claims directly. However, if your device is within its original 12-month Apple warranty and the fault is manufacturing-related (not physical damage or liquid exposure), we can advise whether Apple or we should handle it. Apple warranties cover battery faults only if the battery holds less than 80% capacity and you bought AppleCare+. Most "won't turn on" faults fall outside standard warranty. We'll be honest about this upfront.
Q: How much will my repair cost?
Diagnostics cost R599 (credited toward repair). Simple fixes like port or cable replacement run R450–R999. Battery swaps cost R800–R1,200. Logic board repairs run R1,500–R3,500 depending on damage. Liquid damage repair costs R1,200–R2,500 for full recovery. We'll give you a fixed quote before starting work.
Q: My iPhone got wet in the Rosebank Mall fountain. Is it salvageable?
Almost certainly yes. Water itself doesn't permanently damage iPhones — corrosion does. We perform an ultrasonic clean, replace corroded components, and test thoroughly. If you bring the phone to us within 24 hours of water exposure, we'll save it 85% of the time. Costs start at R1,200.
Q: Do you repair older models like iPhone 6 or iPad 2?
Yes. We keep parts in stock for devices back to iPhone 7, iPad Air (1st gen), and early MacBook Air models. Older devices are slower to repair (parts lead times), but we handle them. Ring us first to check availability.
Q: How long will my MacBook be with you if it won't turn on?
If it's a battery issue, 1–2 days. If it's a logic board fault, 5–7 working days. We'll give you a realistic estimate during the assessment. During load shedding, add 1–2 days.
Q: What if you can't fix it?
We'll tell you upfront if a repair isn't viable (e.g., the logic board is shattered beyond recovery). You'll pay only the R599 diagnostic fee. We've never had to charge a client for a repair we couldn't complete — transparency is how we've built trust across Rosebank and Johannesburg.
