So far, only authorized workshops have been given access to genuine parts by Apple. Now the iPhone group is gradually opening its spare parts warehouse to everyone.
In the future, Apple will not limit access to original spare parts as it did before. The group announced its self-service reform program on Wednesday. In the first step, iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 owners can purchase the most important spare parts – the battery, screen, and camera module – directly from Apple and replace them on their own. Previously, only about 5,000 authorized service providers and 2,800 independent repair providers had access to genuine parts.
The self-service fixes will be introduced in the US early next year and roll out to other countries during 2022. Apple was unable to give a specific start date for Europe on Wednesday. The software should be available later for Mac computers with the M1 chip.
Responding to customer requests
On the other hand, Apple responds to customer requests and demands from consumer advocates. But there were also anti-monopoly reservations in politics that the regime had raised in the past with relatively few partner workshops. In some US states, including Apple’s home California, a “right to repair” including access to original spare parts has been required. A year ago, the European Parliament also spoke in favor of the “right to repair”, and also with the aim of extending the time for smartphone use.
Apple’s new self-service repair program does not include parts that will be made available to private customers at the same prices as professional workshops. In the future, Apple will also provide access to special tools and repair instructions previously reserved for licensed workshops. The new store will offer more than 200 individual parts and tools for the most common repairs.
A choice for anyone who lends a hand
Over the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of repair sites with access to genuine Apple parts and tools, said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “Now we have a choice for those who want to do their own repairs.” However, devices such as the current iPhone 13 cannot be repaired by ordinary people as easily, for example, models from the Dutch manufacturer Fairphone, which do not even need a screwdriver to replace the battery. Apple said the self-service repairs “are aimed at people who are tech-savvy and have the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices.” For the vast majority of customers, visiting a professional service provider with certified technicians using genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get the repair done.
