Apple to Allow Independent Repair Shops to Service Out-of-Warranty iPhones With Genuine Parts

[MacRumors]

Apple today announced it is launching a new Independent Repair Provider Program that will provide independent repair businesses with the same Apple genuine parts, tools, training, repair manuals, and diagnostics as Apple Authorized Service Providers, starting in the United States.

The program will only allow independent repair shops to offer out-of-warranty service for iPhones, such as display and battery replacements, with no mention of in-warranty repairs or other devices at this time. Apple has set up a new page on its website where businesses can learn more and apply.

To qualify, repair shops must be an established business with verification documents available for review by Apple, must be in a commercially zoned area, and must have an Apple-certified technician on staff to perform the out-of-warranty iPhone repairs when using genuine parts. There is no cost to join the program.

Apple also says that meeting the requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program, and it reserves the right to reject any application without comment, so we'll have to see how flexible the company chooses to be.

Apple COO Jeff Williams:

To better meet our customers' needs, we're making it easier for independent providers across the US to tap into the same resources as our Apple Authorized Service Provider network. When a repair is needed, a customer should have confidence the repair is done right. We believe the safest and most reliable repair is one handled by a trained technician using genuine parts that have been properly engineered and rigorously tested.

Over the past year, Apple says it launched a pilot with 20 independent repair businesses in North America, Europe, and Asia who are currently offering genuine parts for repairs. Apple plans to expand the program to other countries over time.

While limited to out-of-warranty iPhone repairs for now, this can certainly be viewed as a step in the right direction for Right to Repair advocates.

Article Link: Apple to Allow Independent Repair Shops to Service Out-of-Warranty iPhones With Genuine Parts

 

[eMiilio]

Apple today announced it is launching a new independent repair provider program that will provide independent repair businesses with the same Apple genuine parts, tools, training, repair manuals, and diagnostics as Apple Authorized Service Providers, starting in the United States.

The program will only allow independent repair shops to offer out-of-warranty repair service for iPhones, with no mention of in-warranty repairs or other devices at this time. Apple has set up a new page on its website with more details.

To qualify, repair shops must be an established business with verification documents available for review by Apple, must be in a commercially zoned area, and must have an Apple-certified technician on staff to perform the out-of-warranty iPhone repairs when using genuine parts. There is no cost to join the program.

Apple COO Jeff Williams:Over the past year, Apple says it launched a pilot with 20 independent repair businesses in North America, Europe, and Asia who are currently offering genuine parts for repairs. Apple plans to expand the program to other countries over time.

While limited to out-of-warranty iPhone repairs for now, this can certainly be viewed as a step in the right direction for Right to Repair advocates.

Article Link: Apple to Allow Independent Repair Shops to Service Out-of-Warranty iPhones With Genuine Parts

This will be great to increase the availability of parts and places where you can get your device fixed. People may prefer one over the other, but at least there is the option now. I’m curious as to the implications for “Right to Repair.”

 

[ocnitsa]

Does this mean they can replace batteries and it'll register correctly on the device?

 

[Pelea]

This is the work of the devil! Only Apple employees should be allowed to repair Apple devices, even if it costs ten times more! They shouldn’t be giving their secret documents to random hobos in the street!

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

*slow clap*

We finally got there. Even though it took the threat of legal action...

 

[alpi123]

Does this mean they can replace batteries and it'll register correctly on the device?

Yes it does.

 

[ilikewhey]

10/10 louis rossmann won't be accepted LOL, too much beef between him and apple

 

[benshive]

The argument that Apple is doing whatever they can to get you to buy a new phone every year really doesn't seem to hold up when they create a free program businesses can join that makes getting an out-of-warranty repair much easier.

 

[jweinraub]

Sounds no different than going to a regular authorised repair location, Louis for example won't be able to replace caps and what not on a board, they will still want one to replace the entire mainboard. It might sound like a good thing, that it allows more access to more folks, but it doesn't seem any different. Guess gotta wait to see how it pans out.

 

[ipponrg]

You’d think Apple would have stronger convictions about their original decisions and statements.

 

[benshive]

You’d think Apple would have stronger convictions about their original decisions and statements.

What about sending OEM parts to businesses with an apple-certified technician contradicts their original decisions and statements?

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

This is the work of the devil! Only Apple employees should be allowed to repair Apple devices, even if it costs ten times more! They shouldn’t be giving their secret documents to random hobos in the street!

Holy moly. Tell us what you really think. You need to train, ffs.

 

[now i see it]

anyone notice that the explanation (and likely the new repair policy) was presented by Jeff Williams?

Welcome to the new Apple. (I hope)

 

[PickUrPoison]

This is the work of the devil! Only Apple employees should be allowed to repair Apple devices, even if it costs ten times more! They shouldn’t be giving their secret documents to random hobos in the street!

They definitely won’t be giving their secret documents to random hobos lol. But they’ll give them to certified techs. Really though, I don’t know why you only want Apple employees to service Apple products. Apple strongly disagrees with you, they’ve had authorized service providers for decades.

 

[apolloa]

*slow clap*

We finally got there. Even though it took the threat of legal action...

Yeah funny how Apple only does things once faced with strong legal action...

I also wonder if they will only supply parts once people have gone though Apple certified training, which will cost a lot and force the repair shops to increase prices anyway?
Still a step in the right direction..

 

[Jsameds]

*slow clap*

We finally got there. Even though it took the threat of legal action...

"Over the past year, Apple says it launched a pilot with 20 independent repair businesses in North America, Europe, and Asia who are currently offering genuine parts for repairs."

 

[AZMecha]

10/10 louis rossmann won't be accepted LOL, too much beef between him and apple

HAHAHA was thinking same thing...

His twitter & Instagram page is just a place holder so there was no way to forward him to apply an make a video about it.

 

[Rogifan]

anyone notice that the explanation (and likely the new repair policy) was presented by Jeff Williams?

Welcome to the new Apple. (I hope)

Well he’s the COO. Who else would announce this?

 

[SliderX5]

10/10 louis rossmann won't be accepted LOL, too much beef between him and apple

I was just thinking the same thing! Waiting for his video on YouTube now!

 

[mtneer]

I had to check the calendar to see if it was April 1st. Extremely uncharacteristic customer friendly move for Apple.

 

[Defthand]

You’d think Apple would have stronger convictions about their original decisions and statements.

What did Apple have to lose? Apple doesn't have the staff to actually repair the number of devices that require service. Their stores are crowded as it is with customers needing service on new devices.

 

[PickUrPoison]

*slow clap*

We finally got there. Even though it took the threat of legal action...

Yeah funny how Apple only does things once faced with strong legal action...

I also wonder if they will only supply parts once people have gone though Apple certified training, which will cost a lot and force the repair shops to increase prices anyway?
Still a step in the right direction..

Wrong. The program started in March 2018 and has just been expanded. What “strong legal action” was Apple facing?

You’re going to have to look harder for something to complain about.

PS and maybe read the article before rushing to comment—the certification is free.

 

[Dwalls90]

Everyone still complaining about Tim Cook as CEO should take a seat. Steve would have never allowed for this, until legally forced.

 

[Miat]

Genuine Apple parts, presumably at genuine Apple prices.

Still, a significant step in the right direction.

 

[nvmls]

Great, took some legal pressure though but finally. Hope customer oriented decisions like this one come more often from Apple.