Apple Inc. said it would begin selling spare parts and tools to the general public for the first time so that some repairs could be made on iphone and Mac computers.
The self-service repair program comes after years of pressure from consumer groups resulting in
Apple provides greater access to repair manuals and genuine parts.
In 2019, Apple launched a program where independent repair shops can purchase its parts, tools, and manuals. Apple said it now has 2,800 independent stores in its program in addition to its 5,000 directly authorized repair providers.
Under the self-service program, Apple customers will be able to buy those parts directly to make their own repairs after reading the manual. Apple said the online store will start with about 200 parts and tools aimed at fixing the most common issues with the display, battery and cameras on the iPhone 12 and 13 models.
The program will eventually expand to Mac computers that use Apple’s M1 chip and later to less common repairs. Customers will be offered the same price on parts and equipment as independent repair shops and will be able to return their used parts to Apple after completing the repair to receive a discount.
Apple said the program will begin in the United States early next year and expand to more countries later this year.
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