In a surprising move, Apple announced its new Self Service Repair program that lets individual consumers and smaller repair shops more easily repair Apple devices.
Here, we'll take a look at everything we know so far about Apple's Self Service Repair program.
What Is Apple's Self Service Repair Program?
In a press release that nobody saw coming, Apple announced its new Self Repair Program. The new program will allow confident individuals and smaller repair shops to access genuine Apple parts, tools, and instructions.
With this never-before-seen access to genuine resources, individuals will be able to repair their Apple devices without the expensive costs associated with Apple's own repairs. It also means smaller repair shops will be able to offer these services and compete with Apple on prices.
After customers sign up for Self Service Repair, they'll be able to view the instructions for repairing their device. Afterwards, they'll be taken to a dedicated online store to order the genuine parts and tools needed, just as they would on existing stores such as iFixit.
Once the parts arrive, the customer will be able to repair their device at home. Customers will even be able to send the old parts back to Apple for recycling and receive credit on their account.
Apple makes it clear that repairing a device isn't for everyone. The company states the program is for “individual technicians”, as many customers wouldn't feel comfortable opening up their device by themselves.
Of course, smaller and independent repair stores will also benefit from the program. Stores will be able to take advantage of the cheaper and easy access to genuine parts, and they already have the repair knowledge.
When Is Apple's Self Service Repair Available?
In the press release, Apple explained that Self Service Repair would begin rolling out at the beginning of 2022. Unfortunately, this initial release is only for the US.
Throughout the rest of the year, Apple will begin to expand the program to additional countries, allowing even more customers to repair their own devices.
What Devices and Parts Are Included in Apple's Self Service Repair Program?
Apple is starting Self Service Repair with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 being covered. The program will then expand to include M1 Mac computers throughout 2022.
It's unclear whether Apple will expand support for older devices at a later date. While it would provide support for customers with older devices they might need to repair, the majority of Apple customers are using newer devices.
As Apple explained in the press release, the first phase of the Self Service Repair program will focus on the iPhone battery, screen, and camera–the most commonly serviced modules. Apple didn't mention any exact parts, but these are likely to be new lenses, new screens, and new batteries, among others.
While Apple did mention the ability for additional repairs would be available in 2022, the company didn't specify which repairs. We also currently don't know which repairs will be available for Macs.
How Much Will Apple's Self Service Repair Cost?
Unfortunately, Apple didn't give us any indication of how much parts and tools might cost under the Self Service Repair program. It is almost certain that the program will cost less than repairs in the Apple Store, where screen replacements cost up to $329 and battery replacements cost $69.
Taking a look at iFixit and other third-party parts stores, we can get an idea of how much parts might cost. High quality third-part screens average at around $250, batteries at $60, and camera lenses at $50.
It's currently unclear whether Apple will be able to offer these genuine parts for a lower price or not, but it would make sense. As Apple already has the parts, there are no associated costs to acquire them.
What Does Apple's Self Service Repair Mean for the Environment?
Apple's Self Service Repair is going to provide some pretty huge environmental benefits. First and foremost, fewer devices will be thrown away if they can be repaired more easily. This can help to reduce e-waste, which is one of the key arguments for the right to repair.
The company also mentioned that it will recycle the old parts after repairs. Not only does this mean the parts aren't being thrown away, but the materials are actually being recycled into future devices.
Of course, there will be some logistics involved in the program–sending parts between Apple and consumers. But the environmental benefits of Self Service Repair greatly outweigh any of the logistics involved.
Apple Starts the Ball Rolling for the Right to Repair
As the right to repair movement spreads across the internet, most companies have publicly remained quiet on the issue. Apple's announcement was certainly a surprise, but definitely a welcome one.
With the company's new program being one of the few of its kind, Apple is definitely taking great strides in making device repairs available for everyone. Whether you support the right to repair or note, we can all agree that easier repairs are better.
There's still some key information about Apple's Self Service Repair program that's unclear, which the company will make clearer in 2022. But Self Service Repair definitely sets the ball rolling for the right to repair–not just for Apple but for all tech companies.