Apple Announces Expanded Access to iPhone and iPad Repair Parts

[MacRumors]

Apple today announced that it recently launched a Genuine Parts Distributor program in the U.S. and Europe, broadening access to genuine repair parts.

The program allows repair shops that do not have a direct relationship with Apple to order genuine Apple parts via third-party distributors, including MobileSentrix and Mobileparts.shop. Currently, these distributors are offering display, battery, camera, and charging port components for the iPhone 12 series and newer, and SIM card trays are available for the iPhone X and newer. Apple said that iPad parts will be available starting tomorrow.

iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 include a new Repair Assistant feature for completing post-repair configuration on a device, if necessary.

This new program has fewer limitations compared to Apple's existing Independent Repair Provider program. Repair shops do not need to apply to be part of the program, technicians do not need to be certified by Apple, and repairs are not limited to devices with expired warranty coverage. On the other hand, the Independent Repair Provider program provides access to parts for select Macs and a wider range of iPhone models.

Apple now provides both repair shops and customers with access to genuine parts, tools, and repair manuals through a variety of programs, including the Self-Service Repair program, the Independent Repair Provider program, and now the Genuine Parts Distributor program. As always, customers can also take their devices to the Genius Bar at an Apple Store or to an Apple Authorized Service Provider for repairs.

Earlier today, Apple announced that the Self-Service Repair program now covers select iPad models, and it will be launching in Canada this summer.

All three programs launched amid mounting "Right to Repair" legislation in the U.S. and other countries over the past several years.

Article Link: Apple Announces Expanded Access to iPhone and iPad Repair Parts

 

[GMShadow]

Most third party shops will still order cheap parts off Aliexpress or similar, but it's good to have the option.

 

[thiscatisfat]

Most third party shops will still order cheap parts off Aliexpress or similar, but it's good to have the option.

From what I saw, they (service providers) offer a more expensive and a cheap replacement part, so the customer can choose. I love that approach, and I have nothing nice to say about Apple's tactics here. That's just pure anti-consumerism and it's pissing me off. I watched some of the Hugh Jeffrey's videos and was shocked to see how far Apple has gone to make sure people still buy parts through Apple for ridiculous prices, and how Apple is still smearing it into everyone's face that they haven't gone to Apple for repair. Ridiculous.

 

[mrat93]

Kind of off topic, but it would be sweet if Apple integrated AppleCare with their repair programs for customers.

Last weekend, I paid $30 under AppleCare for Apple to replace my back glass. In the process, they got dust under the camera lens which I realized after paying. They offered to fix it on the spot (which would take about an hour), but I didn’t have the time. The store offered me a refund on the repair the next time I’m in store.

Surely it would be cheaper for Apple to send me the part and repair kit, no?

 

[neuropsychguy]

I have nothing nice to say about Apple's tactics here. That's just pure anti-consumerism.

Honest question here. How is expanding access to genuine parts, tools, and manuals for Apple devices anti-consumer?

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Honest question here. How is expanding access to genuine parts, tools, and manuals for Apple devices anti-consumer?

Oh, that’s easy. You see, because Apple are successful at making products people want to buy and use, everything they do is anti-consumer and anti-competitive. The only way other companies can ever hope to get a fair shake is if Apple either doesn’t exist OR doesn’t exist. /s

That’s why Apple’s main competition is always… the last iteration of their product.

 

[dumastudetto]

From what I saw, they (service providers) offer a more expensive and a cheap replacement part, so the customer can choose. I love that approach, and I have nothing nice to say about Apple's tactics here. That's just pure anti-consumerism and it's pissing me off. I watched some of the Hugh Jeffrey's video and was shocked to see how far Apple has gone to make sure people still buy parts through Apple for ridiculous prices, and how Apple is still smearing it into everyone's face that they haven't gone to Apple for repair. Ridiculous.

They do it to help protect the consumer from unauthorized components that could be used to weaken security, integrity, and/or performance of your devices. iOS will intelligently inform you if something is wrong so you can take action to resolve the problem.

 

[thiscatisfat]

Honest question here. How is expanding access to genuine parts, tools, and manuals for Apple devices anti-consumer?

The ridiculous markup for parts that you could get a lot cheaper elsewhere and the extended control over what you put into your hardware for example. You’re still tied to Apple, and if you try to use parts outside of Apple’s database, your device gets a stain, a stamp of shame.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

It was always pretty ridiculous how tight-fisted they were when it came to parts distribution. This is a step in the right direction.

 

[svish]

Don't know how many 3rd party shops will order from Apple. However good to see that parts are now more easily accessible.

 

[neuropsychguy]

The ridiculous markup for parts that you could get a lot cheaper elsewhere and the extended control over what you put into your hardware for example. You’re still tied to Apple, and if you try to use parts outside of Apple’s database, your device gets a stain, a stamp of shame.

Thank you for replying. Are you saying you can get authorized parts for a lot cheaper not through Apple channels?

The issue about non-authorized parts receiving a "stamp of shame" is a separate one and not related to this expanded access.

It seems like expanded access to authorized parts helps consumers.

 

[johnsawyercjs]

Nice images (renders?) of some of the iPhone's internal doohickeys