As Apple officially launches its Self Service Repair program in the United States, consumers can now purchase genuine Apple parts and tools and fix broken iPhones and Macs, setting a new standard for repairs and empowering consumers. Here’s what you need to know…
You must have some experience
In order to kick off the Self Service Repair process, users must review the repair manual for their chosen item on a dedicated website, and then they can access the Apple Self Service Repair Store and order the necessary parts and tools. The truth is that not everyone will be able to repair their devices at home – if you’re concerned you might break yours, it’s worth going direct to an authorized repair firm.
You’ll be sent genuine parts
Every genuine part has been designed and engineered for the specific product, and Apple has promised that it goes through the same “extensive testing to ensure the highest quality, safety, and reliability.” The parts, Apple says, are the same parts, sold at the same price, as what is available to Apple’s network of authorized repair providers.
You’ll get money back for sending in old parts
Apple is offering customers credits when they return their replaced parts to be recycled, such as old screens or dead iPhone batteries. It’s unlikely that the Self Service Repair program will be the dominant way forward for those with a broken iPhone screen or battery, but it’s good to see the firm incentivize recycling, and giving old parts back to Apple itself is preferable to putting it in a trash can to send to landfill.
You’ll need to send the tools back to Apple
Apple has custom-designed these tools to offer the best repairs for Apple products, and they can “withstand the rigors of high-volume, professional repair operations where safety and reliability are the utmost priority.” The tools include items like torque drivers, repair trays, displays, and battery presses, and for those users who only want to repair one item, Apple is offering a tool rental kit service for $49 – customers can access the professional repair tools for their iPhone or MacBooks, and then send them back to Apple for them to be reused.
Are you going to give the program a try? Let us know on social media and check back soon for more!
