Apple devices aren’t renowned for being easy to repair – in fact, quite the opposite. Critics have long complained that Apple makes its kit far too difficult to fix, forcing users to pay its hefty repair fees in store.
But the latest move from Apple actually encourages those with the know-how to conduct their own iPhone repairs. The Self Service Repair program will provide everything needed to enable individual consumers to get handy at home.
That means providing access to an in-depth repair manual in addition to an online store for official tools and replacement components. Anyone who returns the broken elements for recycling will get a credit off their purchase. Overall, for those with technical expertise and the confidence to try a DIY fix, it could work out much cheaper than taking a broken device to a repair shop.
To start with, the program will provide commonly serviced parts for iPhone 12 and 13, including the display, battery, and camera modules. Soon, Apple says it will open the initiative to provide parts for M1 Macs too.
“Creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our customers even more choice if a repair is needed,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, and now we’re providing an option for those who wish to complete their own repairs.”
As noted, this change in approach comes off the back of Apple expanding its Independent Repair Program worldwide earlier this year, expanding access to authorized repairs and allowing small repair shops access to genuine tools and components. Apple says there are now over 2800 of these around the world, in addition to over 5000 Apple Authorized Service Providers.
Despite the fact the average user probably still won’t be performing their own repairs, it’s good to see Apple making a consumer-friendly move like this that gives consumers more choice. It’s a big win for the right to repair, especially after the recent controversial decision (now reversed) to sabotage independent repairs of iPhone 13 screens.
Of course, the cheapest and easiest way to get a repair might still be to try your luck with the alleged secret policy offering free repairs to “nice” customers. Though we still can’t confirm whether or not that one is true!