By Nathalie Voit
Apple’s self-service repair is now available, the Cupertino-based company said in a press release on April 27.
U.S. customers can now purchase genuine Apple parts and tools and review hundreds of repair manuals for Apple products they wish to repair through the company’s Self Service Repair Store.
Customers with experience in repairing electronic devices can access over 200 individual parts and tools needed to complete the repair process through the online store. The store will sell valuable components such as screens, cameras, batteries, and other service parts needed to perform a wide variety of out-of-warranty repairs ranging from repairs for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineups to the newly updated 3rd generation iPhone SE. The program will expand later this year to include parts and tools to fix Mac computers with Apple silicon chips.
Apple said its self-service repair is intended for individuals familiar with the repair process and may not be for everyone. Those who do feel at ease performing their own repairs will find that the tools are identical to the ones used by Apple and its authorized service providers.
For most people, DIY repairs will not be worth the cost and trouble. For example, shopping for parts to replace a cracked screen on an iPhone 12 mini would only save consumers $3 more than having the out-of-warranty device repaired by a professional technician at an Apple store. Additionally, you would still need to purchase the tools needed to fix the device, which would set you back at least another $49 (Apple’s weeklong rental kits retail for $49).
DIY repairs also run the risk of voiding any existing warranty you may have left on your device. The program is mainly geared towards independent repair technicians, Apple said.
“Self Service Repair is part of Apple’s efforts to further expand access to repairs. For the vast majority of customers who do not have experience repairing electronic devices, visiting a professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair,” the company noted in the announcement.
The new self-service repair option arrives after years of internal resistance by Apple towards DIY repairs. With the new self-service repair store, the tech giant ensured it remains one step ahead of potential federal “Right to Repair” regulations, including last summer’s congressional Fair Repair Act.
The service will expand to Europe later this year, Apple said.
