In November 2021,?? ?? ?? Apple made a surprise announcement: The company would be launching a self-service repair program, allowing customers access to parts for the first time.
On Wednesday, Apple announced that the program is now live in the U.S.
Anyone looking to fix their iPhone on their own can now head over to Apple's dedicated Self Service Repair website, where they can order genuine Apple parts, rent or buy the tools needed for repair, or access Apple's repair manual.
Apple says that this new online hub offers more than 200 individual parts and tools. Right now, only a limited number of Apple devices are supported: the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and the 3rd generation iPhone SE. The company says that this will be expanded to Mac computers with Apple silicon later this year.
The program comes after years of Apple's refusal to support DIY-style repairs. The company says that it's a part of its efforts to "further expand access to repairs."
"For the vast majority of customers who do not have experience repairing electronic devices, 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 company said.
On Wednesday, Apple also published a paper titled “Expanding Access to Safe, Reliable, and Secure Service and Repair," detailing the company's approach to product design, as well as increasing access to repair.
Apple said that the Self Service Repair program will expand to additional countries, starting in Europe, later in 2022.
Topics Apple