Apple Inc. will begin making parts and tools available for customers to repair their own devices, signaling a significant shift in long-standing policies regarding who can perform repairs on the expensive devices.
The Self-Service Repair program, which was announced on Wednesday, will initially allow people to repair their iPhone 12 and iPhone 13’s display, battery, and camera. Customers will eventually be able to repair Mac computers equipped with M1 chips. Starting early next year, the service will be available only in the United States, but it will be expanded to more countries throughout 2022.
Apple and other technology companies have maintained tight control over repairs by restricting the supply of parts and tools to authorized retailers. More than half of the states in the United States have considered legislation that would require electronics companies such as Apple and Microsoft Corp jobs to make it easier for customers to repair their own devices, but many have been defeated or dismissed.
According to Apple, there are currently over 5,000 certified Apple service providers and 2,800 independent repair providers. “Creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our customers even more choice if a repair is needed,” Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, wrote in the statement.
Source: Time
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