After years of pressure around the its policy of holding phone owners to ransom when things have gone wrong, Apple recently announced that it would sell the tools and parts needed to repair its phones.
However, there was one big catch. It would only be available to customers who own an iPhone 12 or higher, meaning that people with older model phones still find themselves in the same predicament when it comes to repairs.
Apple’s self-service repair will allow customers who are comfortable completing their own repairs access to genuine Apple parts and tools.
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The US-based company said that it would soon be rolling out similar plans for Mac computers featuring M1 chips, with the service to be available in the US from early next year, with additional countries to follow soon after.
The initial phase of the program will focus on the most commonly serviced modules, such as the iPhone display, battery and camera. The ability for additional repairs will be available later next year.
“Creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our customers even more choice if a repair is needed,” said Apple’s chief operating officer, Jeff Williams.
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“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.”
Apple’s self-service advice
According to Apple, to safely perform a repair to an iPhone it is important for customers to properly read the repair manual.
Once they have done that, they will be able to place an order for the genuine parts and tools necessary at the self-service repair online store.
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After completing their repairs, customers who return their used part for recycling with Apple will also receive a credit towards their next Apple purchase.
The company, however, issued a warning that the repairs were still best undertaken by professionals.
“Self-service repair is intended for individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices,” the company said in a statement.
“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.”
Would you attempt to repair your own phone if you could get access to the tools and parts required? Why not share your thoughts in the comments section below?
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