Apple to allow customers to repair their iPhone or Mac themselves – MacGeneration

It’s a monumental turnaround. Until then firmly opposed to its devices being able to be repaired by anyone, Apple will finally offer repair kits to consumers. These kits will be available for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 to start, then for the Mac M1, Apple announces in a Press release. U.S. customers will be the first served early next year before being joined by other countries during 2022.

The first phase of the Self Service Repair program will concern the most commonly repaired components, namely the iPhone screen, battery or camera. Other spare parts will be offered later. “Giving better access to our original Apple spare parts means offering our customers even more choice when a repair is necessary”, says COO Jeff Williams.

To carry out its repair safely, the customer must first read the manual, Apple says (will there be a small test afterwards to verify that the reading has been taken?). After that, he can order the parts and tools he needs from the Apple Self Service Repair Online Store. This new special store will include more than 200 spare parts and tools. Once the repair is complete, the customer will be able to return the used parts for recycling and will receive a purchase credit.

Apple is now warning that its Self Service Repair is intended for “Technicians with the skills and experience to repair electronic devices. “ For the vast majority of customers, the manufacturer still recommends calling in a professional in order to avoid incidents, the red rag waved so far to mark its opposition to repairs carried out by customers themselves.

Apple has a long tradition in the field. Apart from its Apple Stores, the manufacturer has deigned to provide spare parts and documentation only to authorized repairers for a long time. This policy was backed up by various measures interfering with certain repairs carried out outside its network. The most recent was the deactivating Face ID after a screen change on iPhone 13, a constraint on which Apple has finally come back.

During all these years, the Apple has also opposed to the American project of “right to reparation” which aims to democratize repairs by improving access to spare parts and documentation. “The question with a device [l’iPhone, ndr] which is becoming more and more complex, what is best for the consumer? Third party repairs, unauthorized repairs, that just means what it means. We want to make sure repairs are done correctly ”, assumed in 2017 Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president responsible for environmental initiatives, to explain her opposition to the project.

The manufacturer only started loosening the screw a few years ago by fitting a program allowing independent repairers to receive certified spare parts, as well as diagnostic tools and documentation to repair its products smoothly. Surely the wind is turning in the United States, where the Biden administration is determined to promote the right to reparation, and in Europe, where the same right is also making its way, Apple is ultimately ahead of the laws.

Based on additional information from Apple to Numerama, parts, tools and manuals will be available for the duration of the marketing of the products concerned, or even longer depending on the state of stocks. Enough to significantly improve a repairability index very average now.