Customers will be able to buy parts to fix their own phones through the new self-service repair program. The program will allow owners of the device to replace their screen, battery, and camera.
The move appears to be a big win for the right-to-repair community. Lobbyists who support repair reform have called on lawmakers to implement a variety of rules that would allow for increased access to manuals and official parts. Apple has objected to allowing customers to fix their own products because of safety or performance issues from third-party parts. It also sells a subscription AppleCare+ service for its products that gives consumers repairs at a lower cost than non-subscribers.
The service will be available in the U.S. for the Apple M1 chip.
Customers can buy parts through Apple's self-service repair online store. Users can receive a credit for returning used parts later.
The Federal Trade Commission and the Biden administration have signaled a focus on the right to repair, which may have forced Apple to act. The FTC was directed by the president to consider rules preventing unfair anticompetitive restrictions on third-party repair or self-repair of items. The FTC voted to increase repair restriction enforcement.
The company said that self service repair is for individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices. For most 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 Independent Repair Program allows repair shops to enter into a certification process and contract with Apple to get access to authentic Apple tools and manuals. Many products were difficult to repair at home or without Apple's help.
Apple has not yet said how much the parts will cost.
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