Apple will let its users repair their iPhone themselves
Steph Deschamps / November 19, 2021
This is a first for the company founded by Steve Jobs, which is often accused of selling products with programmed obsolescence. The beginning of a revolution, or not exactly?
Apple is going to give its users the possibility to repair their smartphones and some computers themselves. This is an unexpected concession from the technology giant, known for its very closed ecosystem of devices and software.
The online store, called Self Service Repair, will allow to buy more than 200 spare parts and tools useful for the most common problems of the latest ranges of iPhone (12 and 13), such as batteries or defective screens, according to a statement.
The Apple brand has long restricted repairs to its technicians in its stores - at the counter called genius bar - and some authorized dealers, but the waiting time and prices are usually high there.
This characteristic of Apple and accusations of programmed obsolescence regularly earn it reproaches on the durability of its devices.
The new service will be launched in the United States in early 2022, before being extended to other countries within the year. It will soon include, in addition to smartphones, computers equipped with the M1 chip, manufactured by Apple.
This allows customers to join over 5,000 authorized suppliers and 2,800 independent repairers who have access to parts, tools and manuals.
This decision comes at a time when Apple is being criticized by companies and authorities for controlling its physical and immaterial ecosystem too closely. Compatibility issues with other brands' devices, for example, are a strong incentive for consumers to stay within the Apple universe.
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