US consumers can now buy spare iPhone parts from Apple to repair their device themselves. five months later his surprise announcementApple just opened in the United States its Self Service Repair Storein other words its self-service repair shop.
After having battled for years once morest the right to repair, Apple finally offers its customers everything necessary to carry out common repairs. Its new store includes more than 200 spare parts and tools for iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and 3rd generation iPhone SE. The program will be extended later this year to Apple Silicon Macs and will be exported to other countries, starting with Europe.
The spare parts and tools sold are the same as those used in Apple Stores and the Apple Authorized Repair Network. Parts are sold to consumers at the same prices as to professional repairers. At the same time, Apple has just released open access repair manuals iPhones affected by the program (iPhone SE 3, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 13…).
For some repairs, customers will be able to return used components and receive a purchase credit. An iPhone 12 battery replacement kit (battery, screws, and adhesives) costs $70.99, for example. By returning his used battery, the customer will obtain a credit of $24.15. Apple also offers a complete kit of tools for rent at $49 for customers who do not want to acquire the (expensive) machines required.
Before placing an order, customers must provide the serial number or IMEI number of their iPhone, as well as a six-digit code found in the repair manual. It’s a way for Apple to verify that the amateur repairer has read the instructions before playing with the screwdriver.
For some components like the battery, customers will need to contact Apple by chat or by phone following component replacement to finalize the repair. Some operations require software checks.
The manufacturer repeats that for the vast majority of its customers, it always recommends going to the Apple Store or an authorized repairer in the event of a problem. This program is primarily intended for people comfortable with the repair of electronic devices. The warranty is not affected by a self-service repair, “however any problem or damage caused by the customer during the repair will not be covered by Apple”, warns the manufacturer. So you have to be sure of yourself before you start.
The fact remains that it is a monumental reversal of the situation in the maintenance policy of Apple, which had rather used until then to put spokes in the wheels of DIYers and independent repairers.