Apple has announced its new Self Service Repair program. This program will offer parts, tools and manuals to all customers to repair select Apple products, starting with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.
While not all customers will feel comfortable repairing their own Apple products, for those who do, Apple will provide access to the necessary genuine parts, tools and manuals. The program currently applies to the iPhone 12 and 13, but Apple will soon add Mac computers featuring M1 chips.
Self Service Repair will be available early next year in the US and will expand to additional countries throughout 2022. Customers join more than 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) and 2,800 Independent Repair Providers who already have access to Apple genuine parts, tools and manuals.
When it first rolls out early next year, the Self Service Repair program will focus on commonly serviced modules, like the iPhone display, battery and camera. During 2022, Apple will add the option for customers to repair additional parts.
'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. '
Apple is quick to point out that it builds durable products. But, as anyone who has used a smartphone or computer knows all too well, accidents happen and parts can break. The new Self Service Repair program will give customers direct access to a store offering more than 200 individual parts and tools – with more to be added. After a successful repair, customers can return their used part for recycling and receive credit toward their purchase.
It's important to keep in mind that while Apple will allow customers to purchase repair parts, the repairs themselves aren't necessarily easy. Apple is providing access but not offering blanket approval or endorsement for everyone to try to fix their own devices. You can repair your own equipment, but Apple is careful to not suggest that everyone should. 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, visiting a professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair. '
The Right to Repair movement has experienced significant support this year, including a policy statement by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in which it approved action against manufacturers who impose repair restrictions against individuals and repair businesses. President Biden reportedly ordered the FTC to draft new Right to Repair rules earlier this year. Apple's new program is possibly in response to the Right to Repair legislation in the works, as the company has previously worked against Right to Repair laws. Of course, Apple's hand has not yet been forced, so it's refreshing to see the company take on a more consumer-friendly approach to user repairs.
Image credit: All images courtesy of Apple
. dpreview.com2021-11-18 02:33