Apple’s Self-Service Repair Program: Customers Can Repair Their Own Apple Products Using Genuine Parts & Tools: Digital Photography Review

Apple announced Self-service repair program. This program will provide parts, tools, and manuals to all customers to repair certain Apple products, starting with iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.

While not every customer will feel comfortable repairing their Apple products on their own, for those who do, Apple will provide access to parts, tools, and manuals. Genuine use required. The program currently applies to iPhone 12 and 13, but Apple will soon add Mac computers with the M1 chip.

Self-repair will be available early next year in the US and will expand to other countries throughout 2022. Customers join more than 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) and 2,800 Providers Independent repair service that already has access to genuine Apple parts, tools, and manuals.

When it first launches early next year, the Self-Repair program will focus on commonly serviced modules, like the iPhone display, battery, and camera. In 2022, Apple will add the option to repair additional parts for customers.

“Creating greater access to genuine Apple parts gives our customers more options if repairs are needed,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s CEO. ‘Over the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to genuine Apple parts, tools, and training, and we’re now offering an option for those who wants to fix it themselves.’

Apple is quick to point out that it builds durable products. However, as anyone who has used a smartphone or computer knows all too well, accidents happen and parts can break. The new Self Repair program will give customers direct access to a store that offers over 200 individual parts and tools – with more parts to be added. After a successful repair, the customer can return the used part for recycling and receive a credit on the purchase.

It’s important to note that while Apple will allow customers to purchase repair parts, the repair itself is not necessarily easy. Apple is providing access but not general approval or endorsement for people to try to repair their own devices. You maybe repair your own device, but Apple is careful not to recommend it to everyone Candlestick. Apple writes, ‘Self-Service Repair is intended for individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices. 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. ‘

The Right to Repair movement has received significant support this year, including policy declare by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which approved action against manufacturers that impose repair restrictions on repair individuals and businesses. President Biden be reported to order FTC to draft new Right to Repair rules earlier this year. Apple’s new program may be in response to the Right to Repair Act, as the company has shown previously worked against Right to amend the law. Of course, Apple hasn’t been forced into it yet, so it’s refreshing to see the company take a more consumer-friendly approach to user repair.

Image credits: All images provided by Apple