In a really surprising move, Apple has announced to introduce ‘self service repair’ stores. These stores will sell replacement parts for iPhones and Macs directly to consumers. So, you can now repair your own devices if you can.
Apple already has more than 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers and 2,800 Independent Repair Providers who already have access to these replacement parts and tools. Now customers can also get access to these if they want to repair their device by themselves.
Initially, the company will sell replacement parts for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13. Later, it will also start selling replacement parts of Macs powered by Apple’s M1 chips. For now, the company will sell the most commonly serviced modules including display, battery, and camera. Other parts will be available later next year.
“Self Service Repair will be available early next year in the US and expand to additional countries throughout 2022,” said Apple.
Apple will also provide a Repair Manual and advise customers to first read it. After the replacement, if you return the used part for recycling to Apple, the company will give credit toward the purchase.
This move is surprising because Apple always made it hard to repair its products. It pushes consumers to bring devices to official repair services and charges high. In some cases, third-party repair creates additional issues. For example, Face ID stops working after replacing the display of the recent iPhone 13 if not done by Apple’s authorized centers
In recent years, the right-to-repair movement gained support from regulators and the common public. This could be a reason why the company is introducing this self-service repair scheme.
