Apple will allow customers to repair iPhones and Macs in 2022
Apple has conceded some of the battles it has been fighting with the Right to Repair movement, and for the first time will sell parts and tools directly to consumers with the new "Self Service Repair" program.
Announced on Wednesday, the new program will first launch in early 2022 with iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 parts. The company says that parts will expand soon to the Mac with M1 chips.
"Creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our customers even more choice if a repair is needed," said Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer, in a statement. "In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, and now we're providing an option for those who wish to complete their own repairs."
The initial launch period will focus on the most commonly serviced modules, such as the iPhone display, battery, and camera. Additional components will be available later in 2022, Apple says.
Consumers will have to return "core" parts the same as repair shops do now, to receive a credit towards the initial part purchase price.
The company also says that the new repair store will offer more than 200 individual parts and tools, enabling customers to complete the most common repairs on iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.
Apple still recommends that most consumers seek repairs at either Apple Stores, one of over 5000 service provides, or the 2800 locations that are taking advantage of Apple's Independent Repair Provider program.
This new program does come with hidden costs, not all of which are known yet. But it's likely to be of more direct benefit to small repair shops, rather than individuals.
Previously Apple has objected to the principles of the Right to Repair movement. The company has argued that consumer safety and device security could be at risk, although internal documents show Apple has privately debated the issue at length.
Read on AppleInsider
Announced on Wednesday, the new program will first launch in early 2022 with iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 parts. The company says that parts will expand soon to the Mac with M1 chips.
"Creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our customers even more choice if a repair is needed," said Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer, in a statement. "In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, and now we're providing an option for those who wish to complete their own repairs."
The initial launch period will focus on the most commonly serviced modules, such as the iPhone display, battery, and camera. Additional components will be available later in 2022, Apple says.
Self Service Repair procedure
Apple will make repair manuals available too. Following a user's self-diagnosis, the customer places an order for the parts and tools using a special online store.Consumers will have to return "core" parts the same as repair shops do now, to receive a credit towards the initial part purchase price.
The company also says that the new repair store will offer more than 200 individual parts and tools, enabling customers to complete the most common repairs on iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.
Apple still recommends that most consumers seek repairs at either Apple Stores, one of over 5000 service provides, or the 2800 locations that are taking advantage of Apple's Independent Repair Provider program.
This new program does come with hidden costs, not all of which are known yet. But it's likely to be of more direct benefit to small repair shops, rather than individuals.
Previously Apple has objected to the principles of the Right to Repair movement. The company has argued that consumer safety and device security could be at risk, although internal documents show Apple has privately debated the issue at length.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
I'm not sure about the requirement to return core parts but that's a minor quibble in the grand scheme of things.
Now they (and everybody else) need to design for repair.
But for some reason I’m totally in favour of this! Genuine Apple parts and presumably cheaper than taking it to an Apple Store.
Which they included older models at the same time. I mean, who wants to open up their $1000 1 or 2-year-old phone, which might still be under warranty?
As for Apple requiring original parts to be returned to them, I agree with them. Unscrupulous repair people would sell bad parts on ebay and other sites, trying to make a quick buck.
That generation of Mac Pro was the best money I have ever spent on a computing device without exception.
Thankfully Apple seem to be on a new track here
For years many Apple users here have e said there was little to no danger in 3rd party repairs, while another group of commenters here loudly proclaimed that because of "security and privacy", and needed training, and the specialized tools needed to do it properly, that of course even 3rd party experienced tech shops can't be trusted to do so. Apple is the only qualified party.
Apple appears now to agree with the ones claiming that there's little downside to allowing it, and goes even further to say even a private device owner is capable. it's not rocket science.
IMO it's not the only Apple platform restrictions that are blamed on "privacy and security" that really aren't. It's also not the only one that Apple will open up before a court mandates it, and an agency issues rules governing it. Squeeze as much profit from it before it absolutely HAS to change.
Kudos to Apple for seeing the writing on the wall.
As for the iMac Pro, I believe you are taking about Linus. You don't see anything wrong with Apple refusing to repair a broken machine when the owner is willing to pay for it? Bad things can happen to machines even when they're not being taken apart by a YouTube tech geek. How much would you appreciate it if Apple refused to repair your $5000 machine that fell off a table? I seem to recall that the underlying story behind that is Apple didn't actually have the parts or trained technicians in place to do a repair since it was a very new product at the time. Also they being vindictive pissants.