If you’re feeling brave and like sorting through very small screws to fix your iPhone, you’re going to love this.
Apple on Wednesday announced the launch of its self-service repair program for iPhone. The program was announced late last year, and will allow iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and third-generation iPhone SE users to conduct certain repairs at home. The program launched in the United States with plans to launch in Europe later this year.
Apple has stated that genuine repair manuals and Apple parts and tools will be available in a new Self Service Repair Store. The storefront will offer customers have access to over 200 individual parts and tools. At first, the store will include tools only for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineups and the third-generation iPhone SE. Apple says it plans to expand the store with tools, manuals, and parts for Macs with Apple Silicon chips later this year.
In order to conduct a repair, customer will need to review the repair manual for the product as well as the specific repair on Apple’s support website. Once this is completed, they’ll be able to order the necessary parts and tools from the Self Service Repair Store and begin the repair. Apple has stated that all the tools and parts offered in the store undergo “extensive testing to ensure the highest quality, safety, and reliability.”
Apple has also begun offering a $49 rental kit that includes the essential tools required to conduct repairs. The rental kit will be available for one week prior to being sent back to Apple free of charge and offers a certain flexibility to customers who might not want to outright purchase tools for a single repair.
The program is part of Apple’s efforts to “further expand access to repairs,” according to the company. Still, Apple cautions that the “vast majority” of customers should still visit a professional repair provider, such as an Apple Store, to ensure their devices are repaired safely and reliably. Over the last three years, Apple has expanded its repair network, including over 3,000 Independent Repair Providers and more than 5,000 authorized service providers worldwide.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.