In a surprising move, Apple is preparing to offer a “self service repair” store that'll let consumers buy replacement parts for iPhones and Macs.
The program launches early next year in the US before rolling out to more countries in 2022. It’ll first focus on offering replacement parts for the iPhone 12 and 13 before expanding to Macs built with Apple’s M1 chips.
“The initial phase of the program will focus on the most commonly serviced modules, such as the iPhone display, battery, and camera. The ability for additional repairs will be available later next year,” the company said on Wednesday.
The announcement is stunning since Apple has a reputation for restricting repairs to its products. Cupertino has been accused of pushing consumers to fix faulty iPhones and Macs through the company’s official repair services, which can be expensive.
But in the past year, the right-to-repair movement has been gaining support from the public and regulators. In July, the Federal Trade Commission voted to crack down on illegal repair restrictions that’ve prevented consumers from fixing their electronics without the vendor's help.
Apple didn’t explain why it’s launching the self service repair store, aside from the obvious benefit that it helps consumers. “Creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our customers even more choice if a repair is needed,” Apple COO Jeff Williams says.
The company also acknowledges that consumers can fix an iPhone without hurting themselves or damaging the device, contrary to what Apple told Congress in 2019.
“To ensure a customer can safely perform a repair, it’s important they first review the Repair Manual. Then a customer will place an order for the Apple genuine parts and tools using the Apple Self Service Repair Online Store,” the company says.
As another benefit to consumers, Apple says: “customers who return their used part for recycling will receive credit toward their purchase.”
However, the company has yet to reveal pricing for the repair parts, which will almost certainly be pricey. For example, current prices for screen replacements on the iPhone 12 and 13 can reach up to $329 through Apple’s own repair service.
Despite the self-service repair store, Apple still says “for the vast majority of customers, visiting a professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair.” Nevertheless, the new store should make it easier for any third-party repair expert to obtain official replacement parts from the company.
Apple adds that the self-service repair store initially plans on offering “more than 200 individual parts and tools, enabling customers to complete the most common repairs on iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.”