Next year, Apple will allow owners of the device to repair their own devices.
Apple's "Self Service Repair" program will begin selling parts for the iPhone 12 and 13 early next year, with parts for the latest Macs expected "soon" after.
The program will begin with the most commonly replaced parts. "Later next year, additional components will become available," Apple said.
Jeff Williams said that the move to sell replacement parts is intended to give iPhone owners even more choice if a repair is needed. Apple doesn't recommend the service for everyone.
"Self Service Repair is intended for individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices," Apple's post said. 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.
If your Apple device breaks, the only way to get it fixed is by visiting an Apple Store, sending it to Apple, or going to an authorized service provider that's been certified by Apple.
Apple's history of lobbying against government initiatives around consumers' rights to repair devices they buy makes the move to add Self Service Repair a bit of a surprise.
Apple was against the trade group that railed against it when President Biden signed an executive order encouraging the FTC to regulate companies that try to stifle consumer rights to repair.
TechNet said that allowing unvetted third parties with access to sensitive diagnostic information, software, tools, and parts would jeopardize the safety of consumers' computers, tablets, and devices and put them at risk for fraud and data theft.
The Self Service Repair program will be launched in the United States only, with additional territories expected to light up throughout the year.
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