Wow. After years of trying to prevent people from repairing their gadgets themselves, Apple has launched a self-service repair program for the first time.
The program will begin in the U.S. in early next year, with the first devices being the iPhone 12 and 13 and Mac computers with M1 chips.
The program will work if a customer reviews the official repair manual and then places an order for parts and tools through the Apple Self Service Repair Online Store. Customers who return used parts for recycling will receive credit towards their next purchase. The store will have more than 200 individual parts and tools.
Apple says the program is for individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices. The company says that most customers should visit a repair provider.
This could be you, fixing a broken phone. Credit: Apple.
Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer, said in a statement that customers have more choice if a repair is needed. In the past three years, Apple has doubled the number of service locations with access to genuine parts, tools, and training, and now we are providing an option for those who wish to complete their own repairs.
People repairing their Macs were not very popular with Apple. The company's resistance ranged from using proprietary screws on its products to disabling Face ID after a non-authorized display change. With the right to repair legislation looming in more and more markets, the company likely decided to take matters into its own hands.
Apple says the program will start in the U.S. and expand to additional countries throughout the year.
