Apple customers who want to fix their own devices will soon have access to the necessary parts and tools as part of a new self-service repair program.
The program builds on Apple’s efforts to expand access to repairs over the last several years, the company said in a Wednesday statement. It also comes as a growing number of states introduce “Right to Repair” legislation that aims to make it easier for people to fix their own products, citing financial and environmental benefits.
Self Service Repair will be available in the U.S. early next year and expand to additional countries throughout 2022. And it will roll out in phases, starting with the iPhone 12 and 13 lines and to be followed soon after by Mac computers with M1 chips.
Apple says the first phase will focus on “the most commonly serviced modules,” like the iPhone display, battery and camera. Capabilities for additional repairs are slated for later in the year.
Now you can add your own home to the list, so long as you are comfortable and capable of doing repairs yourself.
Apple says customers should first review the repair manual, then place an order for the Apple parts and tools using the company’s new online store. Then they can return their used part for recycling and receive credit toward that purchase.
The company cautions that DIY repairs are not for everyone, however.
“Self Service Repair is intended for individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices,” reads the release. “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.”
Apple says it’s been working for years to provide more suppliers with genuine parts, tools and training in an effort to make repairs more accessible.
It says it has nearly doubled the number of such service locations in three years.
Apple’s Independent Repair Provider program — which launched in the U.S. in 2019 and aims to give independent repair shops access to the same resources as authorized service providers — has grown to more than 200 countries and now includes more than 2,800 providers.
Apple notes that it also offers repairs through its global network of more than 5,000 authorized service providers.
