Apple to let customers fix their OWN broken iPhones and Macs by shipping parts and tools to homes

Apple announced Wednesday its new Self Service Repair program that will let customers complete repairs on their own iPhones and Mac computers.

Starting early next year, the tech giant will ship ‘Apple genuine’ parts and tools, the same used at the Genius Bar, to people’s homes to fix their broken devices.  

The program is set to start with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, Macs to follow later, and allow owners to replace their screen, battery or camera. Pricing has yet to be revealed.

The move comes as Apple is facing increased pressure and even regulation regarding its product repair policies, as the tech giant has only allowed its accredited dealers to fix its devices.

However, Apple’s Self Service Repair is a major win for the Right to Repair movement, but will only be useful to those who feel comfortable fixing an iPhone themselves.

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Apple announced Wednesday its new Self Service Repair program that will let customers complete repairs on their own iPhones and Mac computers. Starting early next year, the tech giant will ship 'Apple genuine' parts and tools, the same used at the Genius Bar, to people's homes to fix their broken devices

Apple announced Wednesday its new Self Service Repair program that will let customers complete repairs on their own iPhones and Mac computers. Starting early next year, the tech giant will ship ‘Apple genuine’ parts and tools, the same used at the Genius Bar, to people’s homes to fix their broken devices

An Apple spokesperson told DailyMail.com in an email: ‘The full list of parts, tools and prices will be available when the program launches early next year.’

The Self Service Repair program will first roll out in the US and expand to additional countries throughout 2022. 

Mac computers featuring Apple’s M1 chips will be eligible for the program shortly after it launches for iPhones.

Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, said in a statement: ‘Creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our customers even more choice if a repair is needed.

‘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 move comes as Apple is facing increased pressure and even regulation regarding its product repair policies, as the tech giant has only allowed its accredited dealers, like employees at its Apple Stores, to fix its devices

The move comes as Apple is facing increased pressure and even regulation regarding its product repair policies, as the tech giant has only allowed its accredited dealers, like employees at its Apple Stores, to fix its devices

Customers place orders for parts through Apple’s new Self Service Repair Online Store, which will offer more than 200 individual components and tools. A Repair manual will also be sent along.

How does Self Service Repair work? 

Customers will purchase parts and tools from a designated online store.

The online store will feature more than 200 ‘Apple genuine’ parts and tools for customers to choose from.

This means they are used at Apple’s Genius bar and approved dealers who are certified to repair iPhones and Macs. 

A Repair manual will also be sent along to help customers fix the broken components. 

The Self Service Repair program is starting with just the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, but is set to add Macs with the M1 chip in the future.

The initial rollout only includes parts and tools to replace thee screen, battery or camera.

Users who return their used parts later for recycling can receive a credit toward their purchase.

Prior to the announcement, Apple tightly controlled how its products are repaired, only having recently expanded its independent repair provider program. 

An Apple spokesperson said in August: ‘We believe the safest and most reliable repair is one handled by a trained technician using Apple-genuine parts.’

‘We continue to expand Apple’s offerings to better meet our customers’ needs.’

However, President Joe Biden and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are working together to enforced a law that would let customers choose where they want to have their technologies repaired.

In his executive order on competition, Biden directed the FTC to consider rules preventing ‘unfair anticompetitive restrictions on third-party repair or self-repair of items.’

The FTC shared an update in July saying that it had ‘unanimously voted to ramp up law enforcement against repair restrictions that prevent small businesses, workers, consumers, and even government entities from fixing their own products.

‘The policy statement adopted today is aimed at manufacturers’ practices that make it extremely difficult for purchasers to repair their products or shop around for other service providers to do it for them,’ reads the FTC’s website.

‘By enforcing against restrictions that violate antitrust or consumer protection laws, the Commission is taking important steps to restore the right to repair.’

Apple’s announcement also follows a shareholder resolution it received from Green Century Capital Management, an environment-focused investment firm, last month, which asked the tech giant to ease up on its ‘restrictive’ product repair policies.

The firm makes up 3.71 percent of Apple shares.

Green Century President Leslie Samuelrich said in a statement: ‘Investors are extremely concerned about Apple’s disingenuous combination of promoting environmental sustainability while inhibiting product repair.

‘The company risks losing its reputation as a climate leader if it does not cease its anti-repair practices.’

The firm emphasizes that allowing customers to fix their own devices ultimately reduces their own carbon footprint.

‘Consumers want to reduce their own carbon footprints by fixing their electronics, and Apple must help them get there,’ said Samuelrich. ‘It’s what’s best for the company, its consumers and the planet.’

However, with Apple’s Self Service Repair rolling out, Green Century is now withdrawing its resolution.

source: dailymail.co.uk