Apple plans to launch their new “self-service repair” scheme by early 2022 in the US. The programme will cover replacing batteries, screens and cameras of recent iPhones.
Their new repair store will sell more than 200 parts and tools. It comes after months of increasing pressure on the company from the grassroots right-to-repair movement, which wants individuals and independent repair shops to be able to fix electronics.
“Self Service Repair is intended for individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices,” Apple said. But “for the vast majority of customers” visiting a certified professional repair shop would be a better option.
“Creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our customers even more choice if a repair is needed,” Apple chief operating officer Jeff Williams said.
“By designing products for durability, longevity, and increased repairability, customers enjoy a long-lasting product that holds its value for years,” the company expressed.
Canadian computer hardware reviewers Hardware Canucks wrote: “It may be a small step overall – but for Apple to do it, this is a massive win for the right-to-repair movement.”
The company said the Self Service Repair programme would allow individual customers to “join more than 5,000 Apple authorised service providers and 2,800 independent repair providers who have access to these parts, tools, and manuals”.
It had been expanding its authorised repair network, so access to official parts “has nearly doubled” in the past three years, the company said.
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