Apple to sell spare parts so iPhone users can complete repairs from home
Apple has announced plans to sell iPhone parts to the general public so that they can carry out their own repairs from home.
At first the scheme will be rolled out to US iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 holders with the company confirming it has plans to expand the scheme to some Mac products and Apple users in additional countries throughout 2022. The initial phase of the program will focus on the most commonly serviced parts of the phone, such as the iPhone display, battery, and camera and users will be issued with manuals and tools to help them complete repairs.
“Creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our customers even more choice if a repair is needed,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, and now we’re providing an option for those who wish to complete their own repairs.”
Currently when an Apple product requires repair, it can only be serviced by trained Apple technicians using company issued parts. Consumer groups have argued that Apple’s restrictions on repairs undermine competition and result in higher prices for customers.
In an effort to expand access to repairs Apple has nearly doubled the number of authorised service locations which provide genuine parts, tools and training over the past three years. Worldwide there are 2,800 Independent Repair Providers and 5,000 Apple Authorised Service Providers.
Apple’s shares are up 0.97 per cent today and stand at $152.46.
Read more: Apple results: Shares dive after tech giant misses expectations