Historic turn from the parts of Cupertino: Apple has opened to DIY repairs of iPhone 12, 13 and Mac with M1 chip
From Cupertino have announced a historic turning point on a topic for years at the center of the thoughts of Apple fans around the world, on which, however, the company has always responded with a "no" decided, inflexible. From the beginning of 2022, first in the U.S. and then, gradually, in other countries, the Self Service Repair program will arrive.
Apple therefore, in the end, gives in on the DIY repairs of its products, probably only after having smelt that it would soon arrive an obligation in this sense by the consumer protection agencies that have long invoked the right to repair. From the beginning of 2022, it will be possible to buy the main original spare parts for iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 and later also for Macs with M1 chips, first in the USA and then in other countries, without going through the service network. "This option is in addition to the 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Centers and the 2,800 companies that are part of the Independent Repair Providers program, which already have access to original parts, tools and manuals," Apple announced.
What parts will you be able to buy
In the initial phase of Self Service Repair, Apple will make available to enthusiasts who feel able to proceed independently with the repairs of Apple's precious devices the most requested parts to the service centers: display, battery and iPhone cameras. "The ability to make more repairs will be available later next year," Apple writes, but already that's a major change from the past.
"Expanding access to genuine Apple parts ensures even more choices when you need a repair," said Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer. "Over the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service centers that have access to genuine Apple parts, tools and training, and now we're offering yet another option for those who want to complete their repairs themselves."
How Self Service Repair Works
Apple has tried to study Self Service Repair by prioritizing the safety of its customers. First of all, you will have to consult the repair manual, in order to evaluate if you feel able to proceed with the repair by yourself, having first taken note of the steps. Then you will be able to place an order for the necessary tools and original spare parts through the Apple Self Service Repair Online Store. Once the repair is complete, Apple will grant a credit to spend on the store to anyone who returns the used or non-functioning part so that it can be recycled.
"The new store will offer more than 200 individual original parts and tools, allowing you to complete the most common iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 repairs," Apple writes. Parts prices are unknown, but Apple's store - you know - doesn't have cheap items: for sure, however, with some healthy DIY, you'll save more than a little on repairs compared to the prices charged by the official service network.