People shop at the Apple Store on 5th Avenue in September in New York City. Apple said that customers who want to repair their own devices will be able to purchase parts and tools to do so for certain products starting early next year.
Spencer Platt / Getty Images
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Spencer Platt / Getty Images
People shop at the Apple Store on 5th Avenue in September in New York City. Apple said that customers who want to repair their own devices will be able to purchase parts and tools to do so for certain products starting early next year.
Spencer Platt / Getty Images
Apple customers looking to repair their own devices will soon have access to the necessary parts and tools as part of a new self-service repair program.
The program builds on Apple’s efforts to expand access to repairs over the past few years, the company says. in a statement on Wednesday. It also comes as more and more states introduce “Right to Repair” The legislation aims to make it easier for people to repair their own products, citing financial and environmental benefits.
“Creating greater access to genuine Apple parts gives our customers more choice if repairs are needed,” said Jeff Williams, Apple CEO. “Over the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations that have access to genuine Apple parts, tools, and training, and we’re now offering an optional choose for those who want to fix it themselves.”
Self Service Repair will be available in the US early next year and expand to other countries throughout 2022. And it will be rolled out in phases, starting with the iPhone 12 and 13 series and soon thereafter. Mac computer with M1 chip.
Apple says the first phase will focus on “the most commonly serviced modules,” like the iPhone display, battery, and camera. Additional repair capacity is expected later in the year.
How will it actually work?
In the past, when your Apple phone or computer broke down, you had a few options. You can take it to an Apple store, an Apple authorized service provider, or an independent repair provider with access to Apple parts, tools, and manuals.
You can now add your own home to the list, as long as you’re comfortable and able to do the repairs yourself.
Apple says customers should first review the repair manual, and then order Apple parts and tools using the company’s new online store. They can then return their used portion for recycling and receive a credit towards that purchase.
However, the company warns that do-it-yourself repairs are not for everyone.
“Self-service repair is intended for individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices,” reads the release. “For the vast majority of customers, going to a professional repair service provider with technicians certified to use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair done. “
Apple’s broader efforts to make repairs more accessible
Apple says it’s been working over the years to provide more suppliers with genuine parts, tools, and training in an effort to make repairs more accessible.
It said it has nearly doubled the number of such service locations in three years.
Apple’s Independent Repair Provider Program – launched in the US in 2019 and aims to give independent repair shops access to the same resources as service providers authorized – has grown to over 200 countries and now includes more than 2,800 suppliers.
Apple notes that it also offers repair services through its global network of more than 5,000 authorized service providers.
Wednesday’s announcement comes about four months after President Biden signed an executive order calling on the Federal Trade Commission to write regulations that force manufacturers to allow “right to repair.”
Consumer groups argue that it is problematic for large companies to retain control of the repair business, as they can offer customers a replacement product. They say it’s bad for their wallets and for the environment. Here is more information about the movement.
Editor’s Note: Apple is one of NPR’s financial backers.
This story originally appeared on NS Morning version live blogs.
